Tessa Johnson: From Viral Moment to March Madness Star

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – What started as a frustrated question from LSU coach Kim Mulkey has blossomed into a rallying cry for South Carolina women’s basketball and a testament to the rising star power of guard Tessa Johnson. During a Feb. 14th matchup against LSU, Johnson ignited the court with four early 3-pointers, prompting Mulkey to famously yell, “Who can guard Tessa?” during a timeout. That clip quickly went viral on social media, and the phrase has since become a fan favorite, adorning t-shirts worn by supporters at games.

A Team United in Support

The support for Johnson extends beyond the stands. Chloe Kitts, who suffered an ACL tear in October, has been spotted wearing a custom-made shirt featuring the iconic quote. “I appreciate the support… our teammates bring confidence to everyone else,” Johnson shared ahead of the Sweet 16 game against Oklahoma on March 28th. “You can see it on the bench. You can see even the coaching staff or just our staff in general, it’s just like a family kind of culture.” Kitts’ gesture exemplifies the strong team dynamic and mutual encouragement within the Gamecocks program.

March Madness Dominance and a History of Success

This marks Johnson’s third appearance in the Women’s NCAA Tournament, and remarkably, she’s reached the title game each time since joining South Carolina. Under the guidance of head coach Dawn Staley, who is leading her team to their 12th consecutive Sweet 16 appearance and aiming for a sixth straight Elite Eight berth, the Gamecocks are a force to be reckoned with. Johnson’s contribution is significant; she currently ranks seventh nationally in 3-point shooting, boasting an impressive 44.5% accuracy – the best in the SEC.

Beyond the Stats: The Story Behind the Shirt

Johnson showcased her skills in the second round of March Madness, scoring 10 points in a dominant 101-61 victory over Southern Cal. She also achieved her first career double-double in the first-round win against Southern. The “Who can guard Tessa?” shirts have taken on a life of their own, ranging from simple designs with the quote to more elaborate creations, including one featuring a baby photo of Johnson. The baby photo shirt originated from a team request for images for media purposes, unexpectedly becoming the basis for a popular fan item.

Empowering Athletes Through NIL

Joe Shepard, who manages Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities for the Gamecocks, shared the link to the shirt on social media. The shirts are produced by Athletes Thread, a company dedicated to creating custom merchandise that generates NIL revenue for college athletes. Each shirt costs $44, with the proceeds directly supporting Tessa Johnson.

Tessa Johnson’s story is more than just basketball; it’s a story of talent, teamwork, and the power of a supportive community. As she continues her journey through March Madness, all eyes will be on the sharpshooter who has captured the hearts of fans and proven that sometimes, a simple question can spark a phenomenon.