Not many incoming college freshmen can say they earned a full-ride scholarship to play basketball at LSU. But Flau’jae Johnson isn’t your average freshman. Along with her own scholarship, Johnson had the honor of welcoming her friend, LSU’s 5’10 guard, into the fold with a scholarship of her own. While her mate’s journey wasn’t as smooth as Johnson’s, she still found a way to make it happen.

Flau’jae Johnson recently shared a heartwarming moment on her official Instagram where she’s seen lifting Izzy Besselman in celebration. This wasn’t another team victory—it was a personal win for Besselman, who had just earned her own full-ride scholarship from LSU, a moment worth celebrating with her teammate and friend. But it wasn’t just the two of them celebrating.

Coach Kim Mulkey also joined the conversation and expressed her pride in Besselman’s journey.

“While we’re passionate about teaching and correcting, it’s equally important that we applaud behaviors that represent the standard for excellence in our program,” Coach Mulkey said in the video. “Izzy has shown an incredible attitude. She’s an energy giver during practice, and her mindset has been amazing.”

Coach Mulkey has known Besselman since she joined the LSU roster in 2022 as a walk-on recruit. From the beginning, Besselman struggled to find her rhythm on the court.

As a freshman, she averaged just 1.9 minutes per game, and last season, it was slightly better at 2.1 minutes. To date, Besselman has accumulated only 12 points and 17 rebounds throughout her LSU career.

However, these on-court struggles were just one part of her story.

Off the court, Izzy has been battling a serious and mysterious heart condition

The news of Besselman’s health first came to light in October, after LSU dominated Xavier 114-53 in an exhibition game. In the post-game press conference, Coach Mulkey took a moment to address the health concerns surrounding Besselman. “Let me answer this before you even ask,” Mulkey said. “Izzy has a heart condition we’ve been dealing with throughout the preseason. She’s seen four cardiologists. We’re doing everything we can, but we don’t know yet what’s causing it.”

This wasn’t the first time Coach Mulkey brought attention to Izzy’s heart condition. A month earlier, she had shared that Besselman couldn’t participate in practices due to her ongoing health issue as the team prepared for the season.

The heart condition not only limits LSU’s options off the bench but also raises significant questions about the future of Besselman’s basketball career, depending on the severity of her condition. While Coach Mulkey has discussed the challenges facing her player, the specific details of the heart issue remain undisclosed, leaving fans and teammates alike hoping for good news.

Despite the uncertainty, the support from Coach Mulkey, Flau’jae, and the rest of the LSU family highlights the team’s close-knit bond and determination to back Besselman through her toughest battle yet.

It’s clear that Besselman’s journey at LSU hasn’t been easy, but the love and support surrounding her are undeniable. What do you think about her future, considering the health challenges she’s facing? Will LSU’s commitment to her continue to be as strong? Only time will tell.