Tessa Johnson Parents: The Family Behind The Basketball Star
Tessa Johnson’s parents are Danielle and Jemel Johnson, both Americans from Albertville. They’ve instilled values of hard work and resilience that shaped her basketball career.
Tessa Johnson is a sophomore guard for South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team, known for her scoring ability and defensive skills as part of the “Seatbelt Gang.”
Who Are Tessa Johnson’s Parents?
Tessa Johnson has emerged as a standout player for the South Carolina Gamecocks, making headlines with her impressive performance in collegiate basketball. Behind her success stands a supportive family led by her parents, Danielle and Jemel Johnson. These two individuals have played crucial roles in shaping not only Tessa’s basketball career but also her character and work ethic.
The Johnson family maintains a relatively private life despite Tessa’s growing fame in the basketball world. However, through interviews and public appearances, we’ve gained valuable insights into how Danielle and Jemel have influenced their daughter’s journey to becoming one of college basketball’s rising stars.
Danielle Johnson: The Mother Behind the Star
Danielle Johnson has been described as someone who understands Tessa better than anyone else. She recognizes her daughter’s competitive nature and perfectionist tendencies. In a 2024 interview, Danielle shared an important insight into what drives Tessa: “Tessa always wanted to be the best at whatever the rest were doing. Getting better every day is her motivation.”
This statement reveals much about the environment in which Tessa was raised—one that encouraged excellence and continuous improvement. Danielle has been a constant presence in Tessa’s life, offering emotional support while helping her daughter navigate the challenges of competitive sports.
As a mother, Danielle has witnessed firsthand Tessa’s development from a young girl looking up to her older sister to becoming a basketball star in her own right. Her understanding of Tessa’s personality has allowed her to provide the specific type of encouragement and guidance that Tessa needs to thrive.
Jemel Johnson: The Father and Basketball Mentor
Jemel Johnson has been particularly influential in Tessa’s basketball development. As a basketball coach himself, he introduced Tessa to the game and helped cultivate her natural talents. Tessa has publicly acknowledged her father’s role in her basketball journey, saying, “I have to thank my dad. He’s the one who brought the game to me. He’s the one that taught me the game.”
What makes Jemel’s approach to coaching unique is his philosophy about athletic development. Rather than imposing rigid training regimens, he believes in allowing natural talent to flourish. As he explained to the Post and Courier, “Kids are always better when they do things naturally, rather than if somebody trained them.”
This coaching philosophy became the foundation of Tessa’s game. Instead of focusing solely on technical skills, Jemel taught his daughter to understand the game intuitively, to trust her instincts, and to develop a genuine love for basketball. This approach has clearly paid dividends, as evidenced by Tessa’s natural playing style and basketball IQ on the court.
Who is Tessa Johnson?
Tessa Johnson is a talented basketball player currently in her sophomore year at the University of South Carolina. Standing 6 feet tall, she plays as a guard for the Gamecocks women’s basketball team in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Johnson has quickly made a name for herself with her impressive shooting skills, basketball IQ, and defensive capabilities.
Early Life and Background
Born and raised in Albertville, Minnesota, Tessa Johnson attended Saint Michael-Albertville High School, where she developed her basketball skills and became a standout player. Her parents, Jemel and Danielle Johnson, have played a crucial role in shaping her career and supporting her journey to becoming a college basketball star.
Johnson’s faith is an important aspect of her life. In a June 2024 interview with SLAM, she explained: “Before the games, I pray. Besides the fact that I play for my family and teammates, I play for God. Praying eases my mind and gives me peace as I enter the court.”
Off the court, Johnson maintains a relationship with Zachary Davis, another basketball player who frequently appears in her social media posts.
High School Career
Tessa Johnson’s high school career was nothing short of exceptional. As a student at Saint Michael-Albertville High School, she:
- Ranked as the No. 25 overall player in the Class of 2023
- Finished her career with over 2,100 points
- Averaged 24.3 points, 6.6 assists, and 2.8 steals per game as a senior
- Led St. Michael-Albertville to its first state title since 2009
- Earned McDonald’s All-America honors
- Was named Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year
- Received the title of Miss Basketball from the Minnesota Girls Basketball Coaches Association
- Was named Minneapolis Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year
- Won the 3-point shooting contest at McDonald’s All-America weekend
Her high school journey wasn’t without challenges. Johnson missed her sophomore season due to a broken leg but showed remarkable resilience by returning as a junior to help her team finish as state runner-up. In her senior year, she led her school to the state championship, earning all-tournament honors by averaging 25.7 points in the final three games, including an impressive 27-point, 10-rebound performance in the title game.
College Career at South Carolina
After receiving offers from programs like Minnesota and Baylor, Tessa Johnson chose to join the South Carolina Gamecocks, a powerhouse in women’s college basketball under the leadership of coach Dawn Staley.
Freshman Year Highlights
Johnson’s impact at South Carolina was immediate. As a freshman during the 2023-2024 season, she:
- Played in 35 games
- Made the NCAA Final Four All-Tournament Team
- Averaged 6.6 points per game
- Shot with 44.7% accuracy from the field
- Maintained 43.2% shooting from beyond the arc
- Contributed significantly to the Gamecocks’ undefeated season and NCAA championship victory
Her performance in the 2024 national championship game was particularly noteworthy. Johnson scored a career-high 19 points in an 87-75 win over Iowa, becoming the first freshman since Breanna Stewart to lead her team in scoring during a National Championship game.
Sophomore Year Development
In her sophomore year (2024-2025), Johnson has continued to develop her game and increase her contributions to the team. As of April 2025, she has:
- Averaged 8.7 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game
- Maintained a field goal percentage of 46.3%
- Shot 38.5% from three-point range
- Become a more integral part of the Gamecocks’ rotation
- Helped lead South Carolina back to the NCAA championship game
Her growth as a player has been evident throughout her sophomore campaign, with increased confidence and a more defined role within the team structure.
The “Seatbelt Gang” and Defensive Identity
One of the most interesting aspects of Tessa Johnson’s development at South Carolina has been her desire to join the team’s “Seatbelt Gang,” a nickname for the Gamecocks’ elite defensive players.
What is the Seatbelt Gang?
The Seatbelt Gang is an exclusive group within the South Carolina women’s basketball team known for their tenacious defensive abilities. The name suggests their skill at “strapping in” or containing opposing players, similar to how a seatbelt secures a passenger.
Johnson’s Quest to Join
As reported in April 2025, Johnson has been eager to gain permission to join this elite defensive group. Her enthusiasm prompted her to ask teammates Raven Johnson, Bree Hall, Layla Wiley, and Te-Hina Paopao about granting her access.
The responses from her teammates were mixed:
- Raven Johnson was enthusiastic, saying, “Oh, absolutely, Tessa’s in it,” and generously adding, “I say everyone’s in. It includes players one through 13.”
- Bree Hall, South Carolina’s top defensive player, understood Johnson’s defensive aspirations and had been working to build her defensive confidence.
- MiLaysia Fulwiley was more reserved, stating, “Almost there. She’s going to officially join the Seatbelt Gang,” and adding that Johnson was “definitely an honorable mention” but “not in yet. She needs to earn it.”
- Te-Hina Paopao was also not convinced, saying with a playful smile, “I don’t think so. Not yet.”
This quest to join the Seatbelt Gang highlights Johnson’s competitive nature and desire to be recognized not just for her offensive skills but also for her defensive capabilities.
Playing Style and Skills
Tessa Johnson’s playing style combines scoring ability with defensive awareness, making her a versatile threat on the court.
Offensive Capabilities
Johnson is known for her efficient shooting and scoring ability. Her offensive skills include:
- Strong three-point shooting (38.5% in the 2024-25 season)
- Efficient field goal percentage (46.3%)
- Ability to create her own shot
- Good decision-making with the ball
Throughout her college career, Johnson has shown the ability to step up in big moments. Her performance in the 2024 NCAA Tournament demonstrated her poise under pressure, earning her a spot on the NCAA Final Four All-Tournament Team.
Defensive Development
While Johnson is still working to earn full membership in the Seatbelt Gang, her defensive skills have been improving. Coach Dawn Staley has praised her growth on this end of the floor, and teammates like Bree Hall have been mentoring her to enhance her defensive capabilities.
Johnson’s height (6 feet) gives her good length for a guard, allowing her to contest shots and disrupt passing lanes. As she continues to develop her defensive instincts, she’s becoming a more complete player.
NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) Deals
Like many college athletes in the current era, Tessa Johnson has begun to benefit from NIL opportunities, allowing her to monetize her name, image, and likeness while still competing at the collegiate level.
Current NIL Partnerships
As of March 2025, Johnson has a NIL deal with Ryl Tea, a manufacturer of zero-sugar iced tea infused with antioxidants. This partnership began on April 18, 2024.
NIL Potential
While Johnson’s current NIL valuation isn’t publicly disclosed, her marketability potential is significant. For comparison, stars like Caitlin Clark ($3.1 million) and Angel Reese ($1.8 million) have set the standard for women’s basketball NIL deals.
Johnson’s growing popularity, combined with her success on the court and engaging personality, positions her well for future endorsement opportunities. As her profile continues to rise, particularly with South Carolina’s success in the NCAA Tournament, her NIL value is likely to increase.
Social Media Presence
Tessa Johnson has built a growing social media presence, particularly on Instagram, where she engages with fans and shares glimpses of her life on and off the court.
Instagram Following
As of March 2025, Johnson has approximately 69,600 followers on Instagram under the handle @tessajohnson4. Her bio reads “God is able. @gamecockwbb business inquires: ****@klutchgroup.com,” highlighting both her faith and her professional representation.
Johnson ranks 64th among female basketball influencers according to Feedspot’s 2025 list, placing her in the “micro-influencer” category. While her following is smaller than mega-influencers like Angel Reese (4.8M) and Caitlin Clark (3.1M), Johnson’s engagement with her audience is strong and her following continues to grow.
Content and Engagement
On social media, Johnson shares:
- Basketball-related content
- Behind-the-scenes looks at team activities
- Personal moments with family and friends
- Faith-based messages
She has also become an unofficial media member for the Gamecocks, conducting interviews with teammates and providing fans with behind-the-scenes insights. Her engaging personality and communication skills have made her a fan favorite beyond her on-court performances.
The 2025 NCAA Tournament Run
As of April 6, 2025, Tessa Johnson and the South Carolina Gamecocks are in the midst of another deep NCAA Tournament run, having reached the national championship game.
Path to the Championship
South Carolina defeated Texas 74-57 in the Final Four to advance to the national championship game. In that contest:
- Te-Hina Paopao led the team with 14 points
- Joyce Edwards contributed 13 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists
- Bree Hall added 11 points
- Tessa Johnson scored 9 points
The victory secured South Carolina’s first back-to-back national championship game appearance, giving them a chance to defend their 2024 title.
Championship Matchup
The Gamecocks are set to face UConn in the national championship game on Sunday, April 7, 2025. This matchup pits South Carolina’s “Seatbelt Gang” defense against UConn’s offensive firepower in what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the women’s college basketball season.
For Johnson, this game represents another opportunity to shine on the biggest stage and potentially cement her place in the Seatbelt Gang with a strong defensive performance.
Team Dynamics and Personality
Beyond her basketball skills, Tessa Johnson is known for her personality and role within the South Carolina team culture.
Locker Room Presence
Johnson is well-liked by her teammates and contributes to the positive team culture that coach Dawn Staley has built at South Carolina. In team activities and interviews, she often displays her sense of humor and camaraderie with fellow players.
In a recent video shared by Yahoo Sports, Johnson and her teammates answered a round of superlatives about each other, revealing interesting tidbits:
- When asked who would lose a dance competition, Johnson suggested Bree Hall, Chloe Kitts, and Maryam Dauda
- For who would give a pep talk at inappropriate times, Johnson named herself
- When asked who is most likely to become a meme, Johnson revealed it was MiLaysia Fulwiley, Joyce Edwards, and Adhel Tac
These playful interactions highlight the strong bonds between teammates and the fun atmosphere within the program.
Competitive Spirit
Johnson’s desire to join the Seatbelt Gang demonstrates her competitive nature and drive to improve. Her teammates describe her as a fierce competitor who pushes herself and others to excel.
MiLaysia Fulwiley noted this quality when discussing Johnson’s quest to join the Seatbelt Gang, saying, “That’s what we do: we push each other. So, no easy entry for Tessa.”
Training and Development
Tessa Johnson’s success on the court is the result of dedicated training and development throughout her basketball career.
Early Training
Johnson began her basketball training at a young age, developing fundamental skills that would serve as the foundation for her later success. One tool that helped her refine her shooting technique was “The Gun,” a basketball shooting machine.
One of Johnson’s favorite features of The Gun was the clear net, which helped her maintain the proper arc on her shots and allowed for a game-like clear look at the rim. This feature aided in developing proper form and building muscle memory, ensuring each shot had the optimal trajectory.
College Development
At South Carolina, Johnson has benefited from coach Dawn Staley’s expertise and the program’s emphasis on player development. Staley, considered one of the finest coaches in women’s basketball, has a 25-year coaching career and is known for her ability to develop guards.
Johnson has also received mentoring from teammates, particularly on the defensive end. Bree Hall, South Carolina’s top defensive player, has worked with Johnson to build her defensive confidence, discussing strategies and sending supportive text messages.
Future Prospects
As a sophomore with two more years of eligibility remaining after the 2024-2025 season, Tessa Johnson’s future in basketball looks bright.
Remaining College Career
Johnson still has significant time to develop her game at the collegiate level. With continued improvement, she could:
- Become a primary scoring option for South Carolina
- Earn full membership in the Seatbelt Gang
- Contend for individual awards and honors
- Help South Carolina compete for additional national championships
Professional Potential
Looking beyond college, Johnson’s skills and physical tools (6-foot height, shooting ability, basketball IQ) give her potential to play professionally, possibly in the WNBA. While it’s too early to project her professional prospects with certainty, her trajectory suggests she could have opportunities at the next level if her development continues.
FAQs About Tessa Johnson
What is Tessa Johnson’s height?
Tessa Johnson stands 6 feet (1.83 meters) tall, giving her good size for a guard position.
What number does Tessa Johnson wear?
Tessa Johnson wears number 5 for the South Carolina Gamecocks.
Where is Tessa Johnson from?
Tessa Johnson is from Albertville, Minnesota, United States.
What year is Tessa Johnson in college?
As of April 2025, Tessa Johnson is in her sophomore year at the University of South Carolina.
What position does Tessa Johnson play?
Tessa Johnson plays as a guard for the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team.
What awards has Tessa Johnson won?
Tessa Johnson’s awards include: NCAA Final Four All-Tournament Team (2024), SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll (2024), McDonald’s All-America (2023), Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year (2023), and MGBCA Miss Basketball (2023).
What is Tessa Johnson’s nationality?
Tessa Johnson is American.
What is the “Seatbelt Gang” that Tessa Johnson wants to join?
The “Seatbelt Gang” is a nickname for South Carolina’s elite defensive players who are known for their ability to “strap in” or contain opposing players.
Samantha Yates is a creative writer and journalist with expertise in content creation and editing. She holds an MA in Creative Writing and brings professional experience from Lionbridge, where she developed engaging content for leading technology companies
