She lit up the court when it mattered most — but now the spotlight’s on her every night.
Tessa Johnson, affectionately dubbed “Tournament Tessa” after her explosive March Madness performances, is no longer just a postseason weapon. With veteran leader Bree Hall out, the South Carolina Gamecocks are looking to Johnson to step up — and step into some massive shoes.
And fans are asking the question no one wants to say out loud: Can she really deliver all season long?
Coach Dawn Staley hasn’t minced words about the opportunity in front of Johnson. “She’s got the skill, she’s got the mind — now it’s about doing it consistently,” Staley said. But consistency is a whole different game when you’re no longer the surprise spark off the bench, but the player opponents now plan for.
Bree Hall brought defensive toughness, vocal leadership, and reliability — three things that don’t show up in highlight reels, but win games. Johnson, meanwhile, is known for her flashy shooting and fearless drives. Now, she’ll need to blend showtime with stability.
Insiders say practices have been intense, with Johnson embracing the pressure and working on her all-around game. Her teammates are reportedly rallying around her, but everyone knows this season could hinge on whether “Tournament Tessa” becomes “Season-Long Tessa.”
The stakes? A national title run. The Gamecocks are loaded, but every championship team needs someone who thrives under the weight of expectations.
South Carolina fans love her March magic. But come January, February, and deep into March again — they’ll be counting on her to be more than a spark.
They’ll need her to be the flame.
