How do you refer to Raven Johnson? As “The Clutch Performer,” “Hollywood,” “The girl who got waved off,” or maybe “The Comeback Kid”? Like any standout athlete, Johnson has earned various nicknames, each capturing a different aspect of her journey. As intriguing as these labels are, what’s more interesting is finding out where they come from. 

The answer lies in taking a closer look at the journey of this 5’8” South Carolina guard. Only then can one see how her journey is defined not just by accomplishments and viral incidents but also by incredible resilience and hard work that has helped her rise through the college basketball and NIL ranks. 

Early beginnings & high school career of Raven Johnson

Raven Johnson’s love for basketball was no accident. Her grandfather, a retired U.S. military officer named Rodrick Boone, introduced the game to her when she was five. Johnson, along with her twin brother Richard, used to train under Boone’s watchful eye. Given their excellent defense and offense capabilities, Boone called the pair “Killer Thriller.” 

Boone recognized his Killer’s potential quite early on. This exposure to the game at a young age instilled in Johnson a sense of discipline and competitive spirit that she refers to as “Tough Love.” Encouraged by the support she received, Johnson started playing on her school team in sixth grade.

Noteworthy, her early training days also included her childhood friends, Brianna Turnage, and Ta’Niya Latson—now guards for Florida State Seminoles. Their time spent playing together created bonds that carried over to their high school years. “We have good chemistry on and off court,” Johnson once recalled in an interview. 

The early foundations laid in Johnson’s childhood distinguished her as one of the top young talents at Westlake High School in Atlanta. She helped her team win four consecutive state championships. Her talent and hard work earned her the Miss Georgia Basketball title twice, making her the Naismith Prep Player of the Year in her senior year. 

By graduation, Johnson had become a five-star recruit and the top point guard in the 2021 class. While several top college programs were eyeing her, she ultimately committed to the University of South Carolina, drawn by the strength of their program and Dawn Staley’s mentorship. 

College career of The Comeback Kid

Johnson’s freshman with the Gamecocks took an unexpected turn when she suffered a knee injury two games into the season. Then, facing the challenge of a lengthy rehabilitation, Johnson watched from the sidelines as her team went on to win the national championship. The period was a test of her patience and resilience. Given her performance in the 2022-23 season, it’s evident that Johnson passed with flying colors. 

Once back in the game, Johnson’s impact was immediate. Having a reputation for her sharp passes and defensive instincts, she once again became an important player for the Gamecocks, even starting 3 of the 36 games she played. She averaged 4.2 points, 3.4 assists, and 2.6 rebounds, earning the Southeastern Conference (SEC) All-Freshman honors. 

Her sophomore year was even more successful. Johnson started 35 of 37 games and averaged 8.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2 steals per game. Her improved shooting percentage (44% from the field as a sophomore) and defensive versatility helped her lead South Carolina to another strong season. But then something happened that brought Johnson to the limelight for all the wrong reasons. 

“The girl who got waved off” or “The Clutch Performer”? 

In the 2023 NCAA Final Four game against Iowa, Johnson was under the spotlight when Iowa’s Catlin Clark waved her off, indicating she wasn’t a shooting threat. Like that, Johnson became “the girl who got waved off.” The videos of that singular moment were shared widely, and Johnson’s DMs started blowing up with various messages.  

The dismissal stung deeply. “I didn’t talk to anyone…..I locked myself in my room,” Johnson shared, revealing how the incident and the online mockery that followed had affected her. But Johnson recovered from this, too. The No. 25’s mother, Sheika, played an essential role in helping her process the incident and move forward from there. With her mother by her side and support from teammates, Johnson regained her confidence. Today, The Comeback Kid uses the whole “wave-off” fiasco to motivate her to refine her skills and strengthen her game. 

Fast forward to the 2024 Sweet 16, and Johnson was no longer the waved-off girl. She became “The Clutch Performer.” Hitting a crucial three-pointer in the final seconds against Indiana, Johnson reproved her ability to handle and perform under pressure. The incident marked her growth from a moment of dismissal to a player defined by resilience and determination. And who can forget her “Revenge Tour” caption for the entire March Madness tourney which ended perfectly with her taking the ring after beating none other than Caitlin Clark and her Iowa Hawkeyes?

NIL opportunities of The Impact Player

Beyond her success on the court, Johnson has also built a solid NIL portfolio. While her NIL valuation is unavailable, On3 puts her at the 34th spot in the NIL rankings. Overall, she has garnered 155k followers on various social media platforms with her Instagram handle holding authority with 142k followers.

She has secured deals from brands like Sephora, Dunkin’, Under Armor, WME Sports, and Rowz Agency. One of her most notable partnerships is with Black-owned beauty brand Parfait, known for its innovative approach to hair technology. As a part of her collaboration, the “Revenge Tour” wig line, designed with athletes in mind, was launched. 

However, this Impact Player’s public image is not rooted in on-court success and partnerships alone. She’s also known as a person who believes in giving back to the community. In 2023, she introduced the “Shoe Game!” essay contest. Over 100 school students participated, and the winners were awarded custom sneakers. The event highlighted her commitment to education and community, which she says comes from her mother, Sheika.

Overall, Raven Johnson’s journey is defined by resilience, hard work, and tenacity that defies expectations. She may be known by different names today, but as she rises, her legacy transcends all labels. It’s uncommon to find a player with a beautiful blend of talent, purpose, and a commitment to empowering others. With every game, she builds a narrative proving you can rise above anything.