Raven Johnson’s Unique Path with Dawn Staley Nears Title Game Milestone

Raven Johnson will finish her NCAA career in the national championship game. South Carolina (36-3) faces UCLA (36-1) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 5 at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

Championship context

Johnson has reached the Final Four in each of her five collegiate seasons. This is her third straight appearance in the national title game.

She is the first player in South Carolina history to appear on four teams that reached the championship. On April 4, Johnson said the event felt different now, and that she treats it with a businesslike focus.

Season performance

Johnson is posting career highs this season. She averages 10.0 points and 5.2 assists per game.

Her shooting marks are the best of her career. She is shooting 49.4 percent from the field and 41.4 percent from long range.

She earned SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors. She is also a third-team AP All-American and a top-five finalist for the Nancy Lieberman Award.

Leadership and growth

Coach Dawn Staley noted a clear shift in Johnson’s role. Johnson has moved from leading by example to speaking up and directing teammates.

Johnson admitted leadership was sometimes difficult. She said she had to push herself on days she did not want to lead.

Stakes and legacy

South Carolina can win the program’s fourth national title. A victory would give Johnson her third championship as a player.

She previously was part of title teams in 2022 and 2024. No player in program history has won three championships.

Raven Johnson’s unique path alongside Dawn Staley nears a title-game milestone. She remains determined to win for her teammates and her coach.

Reporting by Tia Reid for Filmogaz.com.