As a point guard, Raven Johnson has to be a leader on the court. It is her responsibility to set up the offense and get the ball to her teammates. This season, Johnson also has to take on a leadership role off the court and act as an extension of coach Dawn Staley.
After South Carolina’s 69-52 win over USC, Raven Johnson was asked about that new responsibility and how she has grown as a leader already. Johnson credited former South Carolina players with getting her ready for this role, including Indiana Fever star Aliyah Boston.
“It started with the people before me,” Johnson told reporters. “I’d say Aliyah Boston, [Destanni Henderson], Zia Cookie, they showed me a lot of things, what was the standard here. So, I know what the standard is, and I know what it takes to get to Final Fours.”
Johnson is the most veteran player on the team
Raven Johnson is now in her fifth season under Dawn Staley. That makes her the longest-tenured South Carolina player currently on the roster. She is also the only returning starter. In the 2024-25 season, Te-Hina Paopao, Bree Hall, Sania Feagin, and Chloe Kitts started next to Johnson. The first three went to the WNBA while Kitts is injured.
This season’s starting five features Johnson, Ta’Niya Latson, who transferred from Florida State, sophomore Joyce Edwards, Tessa Johnson, who spent two seasons as a backup, and Madina Okot, who transferred from Mississippi State.
Johnson is the only player on the roster who was around for South Carolina’s 2022 NCAA championship, even though she didn’t play due to a season-ending knee injury she suffered just two games into the season. She is also one of only two active players who contributed to the team’s 2024 championship. The other one is Tessa Johnson. Chloe Kitts also played a big role in 2023-24, but will have to provide leadership solely from the bench this season. Moreover, Johnson led the team in minutes and assists during its latest championship run.
Aliyah Boston is one of many great bigs to come out of South Carolina
Dawn Staley has made it a habit to send talented bigs into the WNBA. In recent years, A’ja Wilson, Aliyah Boston, and Kamilla Cardoso all came out of her system. Boston was the team’s best player during its 2022 NCAA championship run. She averaged 16.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 2.4 blocks as a junior.
Boston was the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player that season, the AP Player of the Year, the Naismith College Player of the Year, and the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year. Her individual success makes her a respected locker room presence, but it also comes with the responsibility of being a leader—whether that is in college or at the pro level.
Boston is also growing as a leader for the Indiana Fever.