Raven Johnson is turning 23 this Wednesday. The South Carolina star is in the midst of her last few games as a collegiate player, with this being her fifth season with Dawn Staley’s team. She’s the last of a crop of players that helped the coach win two national titles for the Gamecocks in 2022 and 2024.
Staley was one of the first to jump on social media to wish her a happy birthday, reposting South Carolina’s X post on the matter and adding the following message of her own:
“PG1!! Happy birthday Ray Ray to you and your twin bro! May your day be filled with what you have given us for 5 years….a lot of love, a love of laughter and a whole lot of you. Keep being special Ray Ray!! Lobe you!,” wrote Staley on X
In her time at South Carolina, she has won a plethora of accolades that include being named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year (2026), a two-time SEC All-Defensive Team selection (2025, 2026), and a Second-team All-SEC (2026). She was also an SEC All-Freshman Team selection in 2023.
Dawn Staley’s Recent Comments on What Raven Johnson’s Departure From South Carolina Will Mean for the School
It’s clear that Dawn Staley is extremely close to Raven Johnson, and a recent press interaction in late February showed how much she cares for the player. Speaking with the press during practice, she was asked what she thought Raven Johnson’s departure would mean for South Carolina.
Here’s what she said:
“Oh, Raven, I mean. Raven is the most loyal, like she’s super loyal… She doesn’t have a mean spirit in her body. She’s funny, she’s consistent. Like, I like people, Raven is who she is every day of the week, and she doesn’t come in any different than who she is… I just really enjoy being around her… She’s going to leave a big void on the court and off the court,” Staley said.
She also said Johnson’s departure marks the end of an era, of a group of players that allowed her to construct national championship-winning teams. It’s indeed true that she’s the last player from the 2022 national championship win, although one important player from the 2024 win does remain. Chloe Kitts, who was forced to sit out the current season due to injury, will return for a final season in 2026-27.
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Dawn Staley Salary: How Much Does South Carolina HC Earn With Gamecocks?
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