The South Carolina Gamecocks entered the championship game behind a comprehensive win over the UConn Huskies and a heated exchange between Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma. The UCLA stayed calm and focused, though shutting down the offensive line of Raven Johnson, Tessa Johnson and Ta’Niya Latson.
While the scenes at the Gamecocks locker-room were different from those two nights ago, one player who would be leaving the program, holding her head high, is senior Guard Johnson.
The two-time NCAA Champion opened up about her feelings on social media, sharing a farewell message to fans. But she found instant support from none other than Angel Reese.

Angel Reese With Special Message For Raven Johnson
The 23-year-old star posted a message for her fans thanking them for their support through highs and lows, and also helping her shape into the player she is today.
Reese reposted her heartfelt message and wrote, “Proud of you my booskie. Your journey has been so inspiring, and you’re just getting started. See you in the W!”
Proud of you my booskie. Your journey has been so inspiring, and you’re just getting started. See you in the W! 🤍🙏🏽 https://t.co/VXqvqRkDNk
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) April 6, 2026
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As per the 2026 WNBA mock draft, the player is one of the top picks. Interestingly, the Chicago Sky side has a fifth overall pick and is in need of a prolific guard to play alongside its star forwards. The Georgia -born star played with Kamila Cardoso and won the 2022 and 2024 NCAA Championships.
While the player will be leaving the South Carolina team to join the pro league, coach Dawn Staley also has special words for her. Staley earlier highlighted Johnson’s fun side, and after her final game, she pointed out her impact on the program.
Dawn Staley Praises Raven Johnson’s Impact
As for the player, who had been South Carolina’s best player since her freshman season, it had been a very illustrious career. Although she suffered a season-ending injury in her first season, her record after that is 109-8, and in the NCAA Tournament, it’s 20-3.
Lauding her impact in the program, coach Staley said, “We’re never going to let one game define anyone. Raven has put our program at the top. She made a promise of not only winning just one national championship, but also put us in a position to win a lot more. We came up short, but when you look at Raven, she won at a really high clip.”
Dawn Staley on Raven Johnson playing her final game in a Carolina uniform. #Gamecocks
— 107.5 The Game (@1075thegame) April 5, 2026
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The forward would be a great addition to most of the WNBA franchises with the clock ticking over the WNBA Draft night.






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