In a decision echoing the sentiments of teammate Te-Hina Paopao, South Carolina point guard Raven Johnson has officially announced her return to the Gamecocks for one final season â citing âunfinished business,â âlove for the culture,â and a belief that thereâs still more to accomplish in Columbia.
The All-SEC guard will not only bring her elite defense and leadership back to the court, but sheâs also secured a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal valued at over $250,000, according to sources close to the program. The package includes apparel partnerships, local endorsements, and national branding opportunities â cementing Johnson as one of the top earners in womenâs college hoops.
âJust like Te-Hina said â itâs the culture here,â Johnson said. âYou feel it every day you step into that gym. Coach Staley, the fans, the support â itâs different. And weâre not done yet.â
Te-Hina Paopao recently made headlines for her own return, emphasizing her love for the South Carolina environment and the desire to run it back with unfinished business on the line. Johnson echoed those exact emotions, doubling down on the sisterhood and shared legacy the team is fighting for.
âWe came so close last year. Now, with Te-Hina back, and this new class coming in â weâve got a real shot to finish the job.â
Head coach Dawn Staley was thrilled by the decision:
âRaven is our floor general â the emotional core of our team. Having her back means weâre not just competing, weâre contending.â
Johnsonâs return boosts South Carolinaâs chances at reclaiming a national title in 2026. After falling to UConn in the 2025 championship game, her decision sends a clear message to the rest of the NCAA: the Gamecocks are reloaded, refocused, and ready to dominate.
Online reaction was immediate and euphoric. One Gamecock fan posted:
âTe-Hina and Raven both running it back? Dawnâs cooking something legendary. #UnfinishedBusiness #BuiltByStaley #Gamecocksâ
