TOURNAMENT TESSA NO MORE: South Carolina’s Tessa Johnson Ready to Lead and Prove She’s More Than Just a Clutch Specialist

Tessa Johnson is done being just the spark off the bench, the surprise hero in the postseason, the “Clutch Queen” whose name surfaces every March when South Carolina is battling through the NCAA Tournament. As the Gamecocks prepare for life without their latest wave of WNBA-bound veterans, Johnson isn’t just ready to embrace a larger role — she’s demanding it.

The 2024-25 season marks a changing of the guard in Columbia. Gone are program pillars like Kamilla Cardoso, Te-Hina Paopao, and Sania Feagin. Their departure leaves a noticeable void — in scoring, in leadership, and in big-game poise. But within that vacuum lies opportunity, and no one embodies that more than Johnson.

“Tessa’s not a secret anymore,” head coach Dawn Staley said during South Carolina’s offseason media availability. “She’s always had the game. What we’re looking for now is consistency, night in and night out.”

And that’s precisely the challenge facing the 6-foot-1 guard from Minnesota, whose reputation skyrocketed after her postseason heroics last season. Johnson etched her name into Gamecocks folklore with back-to-back clutch performances in the SEC and NCAA tournaments. Her fearless shooting, court vision, and late-game composure sparked comparisons to past South Carolina legends, despite her freshman status.

But the nickname “Tournament Tessa” — a badge of honor among fans — has become a double-edged sword. It celebrates her ability to shine on the sport’s biggest stage but implies her impact fades during the grind of the regular season. This year, Johnson plans to rewrite that narrative.

“I appreciate the love for what I did in March, but I don’t want to be known for showing up just for a few games,” Johnson said. “I’m working to be that player every game — November to April.”

The numbers reflect both the promise and the inconsistency of her freshman campaign. Johnson averaged 7.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in just under 19 minutes per game. Solid for a reserve, but flashes of brilliance often came in unpredictable spurts. However, when the postseason lights brightened, so did Johnson’s game.

Her breakout came in the SEC Tournament Final, where she poured in 19 points, including several momentum-shifting threes, as South Carolina captured yet another conference title. The momentum carried into the NCAA Tournament, where Johnson’s clutch baskets and defensive hustle became invaluable down the stretch.

It was against Iowa, in the national championship game, where Johnson truly ascended. While Caitlin Clark and company grabbed headlines, Johnson delivered one of her most complete performances — 15 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists — showcasing her ability to thrive under immense pressure.

That outing capped a remarkable run for the Gamecocks, securing their second national title in three years and solidifying Johnson as a key piece of the program’s future. But with success comes expectation, and Johnson understands the microscope she’ll face this season.

“It’s a different pressure now,” she admitted. “Last year, I could play free — no one expected me to be the difference-maker every night. This year, I’ve got to be ready for that responsibility.”

Staley, a master at developing guards and maximizing talent, has no doubts about Johnson’s potential. The Hall of Fame coach has spent the offseason challenging her rising sophomore to elevate her defense, sharpen her decision-making, and embrace the vocal leadership void left behind.

“We’ve seen what Tessa can do in big moments, but being the go-to player is about consistency, not just highlights,” Staley emphasized. “It’s about grinding through the ugly games, the physical games, the nights your shot’s not falling but you still impact the outcome.”

That means Johnson will be expected to do more than just score. With Cardoso and Feagin gone, rebounding and perimeter defense take on greater importance. Johnson’s 6-foot-1 frame and length make her a versatile defender capable of switching assignments, but consistency in that area remains a focal point of her development.

Offensively, the Gamecocks will lean heavily on her shot creation, especially from beyond the arc. Her 38% three-point shooting last season ranked among the best on the team, but volume and efficiency will need to increase. The hope is that with added minutes and confidence, Johnson can transform from a situational threat into a nightly 15-point scorer.

South Carolina’s roster composition adds to the intrigue. The Gamecocks boast one of the deepest incoming recruiting classes nationally, headlined by five-star prospects eager to carve their own legacies. Johnson, now a veteran by comparison, will be tasked with guiding them — both as an example and an on-court stabilizer.

“It feels weird being the experienced one after one year,” Johnson joked. “But I watched how the older girls carried themselves. Now it’s my turn to help the next group.”

That leadership responsibility extends beyond Xs and Os. South Carolina’s culture, defined by accountability, toughness, and unselfishness, will be critical as the team navigates the inevitable growing pains of a new era. Johnson, having learned directly from champions, appears ready to uphold that standard.

The Gamecocks, predictably, remain a national contender. Staley’s system, elite recruiting, and defensive identity virtually guarantee South Carolina will be in the Final Four conversation. But replicating last season’s dominance — an undefeated campaign culminating in a national championship — won’t come easy.

Fans and analysts alike recognize that Johnson holds the key to South Carolina’s ceiling. If she successfully transitions from clutch role player to reliable star, the Gamecocks won’t just remain relevant — they’ll stay at the forefront of college basketball’s elite.

“I’m not trying to be the next Kamilla or Zia [Cooke] or anyone else,” Johnson said. “I’m trying to be the first Tessa. That means owning my game, being confident, and staying consistent. The rest will take care of itself.”

As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Johnson to deliver. The “Tournament Tessa” moniker may have defined her past, but this year, she’s aiming for a new reputation — one built on leadership, consistency, and championship expectations from opening night to One Shining Moment.

If Johnson succeeds, South Carolina’s reign at the top may continue longer than anyone expected. And the basketball world will know, without question, that Tessa Johnson is no longer hiding in the shadows.