South Carolina sophomore guard Tessa Johnson has become a household name in the world of college basketball as her team gets ready for the Final Four. However, behind her growing fame lies the unwavering support of her family, especially her parents.
Jemel and Danielle Johnson have played a crucial role in shaping Tessa’s career. But who exactly are the Gamecock star’s parents, and how did they influence her success on the court?
Tessa Johnson’s Parents are a Foundation of On-Court Support
Tessa’s parents, Jemel and Danielle, have played a pivotal role in her success. While the family is known to keep a relatively private life, the impact they’ve had on Tessa’s career is undeniable.
In a 2024 interview, Tessa’s mother, Danielle, shared an insight into her daughter’s fierce competitive spirit.
“Tessa always wanted to be the best at whatever the rest were doing. Getting better every day is her motivation,” Danielle said.
This constant drive to improve has been a hallmark of Tessa’s career. It’s clear that her parents’ influence has shaped her into the determined, focused athlete she is today.
Tessa Johnson is not the only athlete in her family. She has four siblings—three sisters, Rae, Claudia, and Olivia, and a brother, Jeremiah. Rae, in particular, stands out as a major influence on Tessa’s own basketball career. Rae played college basketball for Iowa State, and Tessa has often spoken about how she looked up to her older sister growing up. Tessa once shared:
“Growing up, I looked up to Rae. I just wanted to be like her.”
Before joining Iowa State, Rae had a standout career at St. Michael-Albertville High School, setting the school’s record for three-pointers in a game. At Iowa State, she was instrumental in securing key victories for the Cyclones. These include wins over Texas Tech, Baylor, and Omaha during the 2020-21 season.
Tessa Johnson’s path to college basketball stardom began at St. Michael-Albertville High School in Minnesota. That’s where she quickly became one of the most highly regarded players in the state.
In her senior year, she led her team to the Class 4A state championship, solidifying her reputation as one of the top high school athletes in the country. Her accolades from high school were impressive: she was named Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year, Minnesota Miss Basketball, and Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year.
Her high school success also earned her a spot in the prestigious McDonald’s All-American Game, and she was rated as a four-star recruit by ESPN. It was clear that Tessa’s future in college basketball was bright, and her next step was to join one of the most respected programs in the country: the University of South Carolina.
Tessa Johnson’s Impact at South Carolina
In South Carolina, Tessa’s impact was immediate. As a freshman, she made a huge statement in the 2024 national championship game, scoring a career-high 19 points in an 87-75 win over Iowa. By the end of her first season, Tessa averaged 6.2 points per game, showing that she could be a consistent contributor to her team’s success.
Tessa’s skills haven’t gone unnoticed by the basketball community. On April 7, 2024, NBA superstar LeBron James recognized her talent on Twitter, writing:
“Tessa Johnson cooking!”
Off the court, Tessa Johnson maintains a strong connection with her faith and family. Born and raised in Albertville, USA, Tessa stands 6 feet tall and boasts an impressive physique for a guard. Her mixed ethnicity reflects the diversity of her heritage, and she identifies as a Christian.
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In a June 2024 interview with SLAM, Tessa explained how important her faith is to her: “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.”
Tessa is also in a relationship with Zachary Davis, another basketball player who frequently appears in her social media posts. The two share a strong bond, and Tessa often highlights their moments together on her Instagram.
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