SIGNIFICANT BOOST: In an Emotional Decision Fueled by “Unfinished Business,” Loyalty to Coach Staley, and the Unbreakable Sisterhood at South Carolina, Raven Johnson Returns for Final Season — Echoing Te-Hina Paopao’s Reasons

In the world of college basketball, the final season often carries a sense of finality, a moment for athletes to reflect on everything they’ve achieved and everything they still wish to accomplish. For many players, the decision to return for one more year is fueled by a desire to close out their careers on a high note, to leave their mark on the program, and to make memories that will last a lifetime. But for Raven Johnson, the point guard for the South Carolina Gamecocks, the decision to return for her final season is about far more than just basketball.

It’s about loyalty. It’s about unfinished business. And perhaps most importantly, it’s about the unbreakable sisterhood she shares with her teammates and the deep bond she has with head coach Dawn Staley. Her decision echoes the motivations of another Gamecock standout, Te-Hina Paopao, who also chose to return for her final season, driven by similar reasons: to continue her legacy, finish what she started, and honor the deep sense of family that South Carolina has cultivated.

The Power of Unfinished Business

When Raven Johnson made the decision to return to South Carolina for her final season, it wasn’t simply about putting on the Gamecock jersey one more time. It was about picking up the pieces of what she had started and left unfinished in previous seasons. Like many players, Johnson’s career has been filled with highs and lows, but it’s the lows—particularly the challenges and setbacks she faced early on—that left her yearning for redemption.

In her early years with the Gamecocks, Johnson quickly became known for her court vision and basketball IQ. Her potential was clear, but an ACL injury during her freshman season halted her trajectory and put her future with the team in jeopardy. The injury forced her to sit out the entirety of the 2021-2022 season, a year in which South Carolina would go on to win the national championship. Watching from the sidelines as her teammates celebrated the victory was bittersweet for Johnson. She wasn’t just missing out on a championship; she was missing out on the culmination of years of hard work and dedication to a program she loved.

That feeling of unfinished business stayed with Johnson. While her teammates were hoisting trophies and securing their place in history, she was left with the haunting question of what might have been if she had been healthy. For Johnson, returning for her final season wasn’t just about another chance at a championship—it was about completing the journey she had started, one that had been interrupted far too soon.

In a recent interview, Johnson reflected on the pain of her injury and the subsequent championship run. “It was tough watching my team win it all, but I always knew that it wasn’t over for me. I still had more to prove. More to accomplish,” she said. “I’ve had a lot of time to think about what it would mean to come back and finish what I started.”

For Johnson, the opportunity to play in one last season with the Gamecocks was the perfect way to put the past behind her and focus on achieving the goals she had set for herself. Whether that meant finally securing a national championship or simply playing the game she loves at the highest level, Johnson understood that her story was far from over. The return would allow her to write the final chapters in her basketball career the way she always envisioned.

Loyalty to Coach Dawn Staley

In addition to her own personal reasons, Johnson’s decision to return for her final season was deeply influenced by her loyalty to head coach Dawn Staley. Staley, widely regarded as one of the best coaches in women’s college basketball, has created a program that values toughness, resilience, and family. Her leadership has turned South Carolina into a powerhouse in the sport, but it’s her ability to inspire her players, to push them beyond their limits, and to make them believe in themselves, that has left an indelible mark on Johnson.

When Johnson first joined South Carolina, she knew that playing for Staley would be a transformative experience. Staley’s coaching philosophy emphasizes not just the technical aspects of the game but also the mental and emotional growth of her players. She demands excellence on the court but also creates an environment where athletes can thrive and grow as individuals. For Johnson, returning for her final season under Staley’s guidance was a decision rooted in trust and respect.

“I have so much love and respect for Coach Staley. She’s helped me grow not only as a player but as a person,” Johnson shared. “She’s been there for me through everything, from the injury to the recovery to the hard moments. She’s believed in me every step of the way. Coming back and finishing this journey with her just feels right.”

Staley’s impact on her players is evident in the relationships she builds with them—relationships that extend far beyond the basketball court. Johnson’s connection to Staley is a testament to the power of strong leadership and mentorship. “Coach Staley is more than just my coach. She’s a mentor, a role model, and a second mother,” Johnson said. “She’s always had my back, and that’s something I will never forget. I want to honor that by giving everything I have in my final season.”

The loyalty Johnson feels toward Staley is shared by many of her teammates, and it’s a central part of what makes the South Carolina program so special. Staley has built more than just a winning team; she has created a family—a family that Johnson was unwilling to leave behind. And as much as her decision was influenced by her personal goals, it was also about paying it forward, continuing the legacy of excellence that Staley has instilled in the Gamecocks.

The Unbreakable Sisterhood at South Carolina

Perhaps the most powerful aspect of Johnson’s decision to return for her final season is the unbreakable bond she shares with her teammates. At South Carolina, the culture of sisterhood runs deep. The Gamecocks are more than just a team—they are a family, and for Johnson, that sense of unity and belonging was a driving force in her decision.

Throughout her career, Johnson has formed close relationships with her teammates, and the camaraderie within the locker room is something she cherishes. The team’s collective mindset—one that values mutual support, trust, and sacrifice—has helped propel South Carolina to the top of women’s college basketball. For Johnson, being part of something bigger than herself was a key motivator in her decision to return.

“I’ve learned so much from my teammates. They’re like sisters to me,” Johnson said. “We’ve been through so much together—winning, losing, overcoming challenges—and we’ve always had each other’s backs. Coming back for my final season is about honoring that sisterhood and finishing this journey together.”

Johnson’s sentiment echoes that of Te-Hina Paopao, who also made the decision to return for her final season. Paopao, a standout player for the Gamecocks, cited her bond with her teammates as a primary reason for her return. Like Johnson, Paopao values the relationships she’s built at South Carolina and sees the team as a close-knit family. For both players, the decision to return was about more than just basketball—it was about the relationships and experiences that make their time at South Carolina so special.

For Johnson, the unbreakable sisterhood within the Gamecock program is not just a feeling—it’s a tangible force that motivates her every day. “There’s something about the way we support each other that makes us stronger as a team,” she said. “We push each other to be better, but we also make sure we’re there for each other when things get tough. That’s what makes our bond unbreakable.”

A New Chapter in an Incredible Journey

As Raven Johnson prepares for her final season at South Carolina, she is not only looking forward to the basketball accomplishments that await her but also to the opportunity to create lasting memories with her teammates and coaches. Her decision to return for one more season is a reminder of the power of loyalty, unfinished business, and the bonds that hold teams together.

Just as Te-Hina Paopao chose to return for her final season to honor her own legacy and the sisterhood within the program, Johnson’s decision is an affirmation of the deep emotional connection she has to South Carolina. It’s a commitment to finish what she started and to make the most of every moment in her final season, knowing that the journey with her teammates and coaches will stay with her for the rest of her life.

With a new season on the horizon, Johnson is ready to take the court once again, fueled by the passion, the loyalty, and the unbreakable bond that have shaped her career. Whether or not she walks away with another championship ring, Johnson’s legacy at South Carolina will be defined by far more than just victories on the court. It will be defined by the heart, the commitment, and the unwavering loyalty she has shown to her teammates, her coaches, and the Gamecock program as a whole.

As Raven Johnson prepares to close out her basketball career, it’s clear that her story is one of perseverance, loyalty, and sisterhood—a story that will inspire future generations of athletes for years to come.