Dawn Staley Makes All-Time Admission About Raven Johnson After Beating LSU

South Carolina coach Dawn Staley picked up her 500th win with the program in a 79-72 victory over LSU.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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South Carolina coach Dawn Staley gave the highest possible praise to senior point guard Raven Johnson after defeating LSU. Staley called Johnson a "winner" and said she'll be the one she misses the most out of all the players she's coached. Johnson had 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists in the win.

Why it matters

Staley is one of the most successful coaches in women's college basketball, having led South Carolina to three national championships. Her high praise for Johnson highlights the star player's impact on the team's success over the years.

The details

In the 79-72 victory over LSU, South Carolina extended its winning streak against the Tigers to 18 games. The game also marked Staley's 500th win with the program. Staley praised Johnson's ability to make "winning plays" and seal the deal with free throws down the stretch.

  • South Carolina defeated LSU on February 15, 2026.
  • Staley picked up her 500th win as South Carolina's head coach in the game.

The players

Dawn Staley

The head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team, who has led the program to three national championships during her tenure.

Raven Johnson

The senior point guard for the South Carolina Gamecocks, who Staley praised as a "winner" and the player she'll miss the most after her time at South Carolina.

MiLaysia Fulwiley

The guard who transferred from South Carolina to LSU in the offseason, and struggled against her former team, going 1-8 from the floor in the loss.

Kim Mulkey

The head coach of the LSU Tigers women's basketball team, who has yet to defeat South Carolina since taking over the program.

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What they’re saying

“Raven Johnson is a winner. Look it up in the dictionary, look it up on your iPhones, Raven Johnson is a winner. She makes winning plays. And she did that tonight. Sealed the deal with the free throws. Just proud of her.”

— Dawn Staley, Head Coach, South Carolina Gamecocks (ESPN)

“I'll say this, she's probably the one that I'll miss the most, out of all the players that I've coached.”

— Dawn Staley, Head Coach, South Carolina Gamecocks (ESPN)

What’s next

The South Carolina Gamecocks will look to continue their dominance over the LSU Tigers when the two teams meet again later in the season.

The takeaway

Dawn Staley's high praise for Raven Johnson highlights the senior point guard's immense impact on the South Carolina Gamecocks' sustained success under Staley's leadership, as the coach prepares to say goodbye to one of the most impactful players of her tenure.