LSU's Flau'Jae Johnson Reflects on Emotional End to Collegiate Career

The senior guard shares heartfelt message after Tigers' Sweet 16 loss to Duke

Mar. 28, 2026 at 9:34pm

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Flau'Jae Johnson, a standout senior guard for the LSU Tigers women's basketball team, expressed mixed emotions following her team's narrow 87-85 loss to Duke in the Sweet 16. Despite the devastating defeat, Johnson reflected on the amazing experience of playing for LSU and Coach Kim Mulkey, as well as the lifelong bonds she formed with her teammates.

Why it matters

Johnson's emotional message resonates with the challenges student-athletes face when their collegiate careers come to an end, especially when a championship run falls just short. Her comments provide insight into the passion and dedication required to compete at the highest level of college basketball.

The details

In the final seconds of the game, Johnson had a chance to defend Duke's game-winning 3-pointer but was unable to block the shot. Despite the costly mistake, Johnson's teammates and coach expressed nothing but support and appreciation for her contributions over her four-year career, which included a national championship.

  • LSU lost to Duke 87-85 in the Sweet 16 on March 27, 2026.
  • Johnson averaged 14.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists during the 2025-26 season.

The players

Flau'Jae Johnson

A senior guard who was a standout player for the LSU Tigers women's basketball team, leading them to the Sweet 16 in her final collegiate season.

Kim Mulkey

The head coach of the LSU Tigers women's basketball team, who guided the program to success during Johnson's tenure.

Mikaylah Williams

A junior guard for the LSU Tigers who expressed confidence in Johnson's ability to carry her competitive spirit to the next level.

Ashlon Jackson

The Duke Blue Devils guard who hit the game-winning 3-pointer against LSU in the Sweet 16.

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What they’re saying

“It's been amazing. Thankful to Coach Mulkey and to LSU, to the fans. To my sisters that I made. It's been beautiful.”

— Flau'Jae Johnson, LSU Senior Guard

“You can't do that. You've got to make sure they make a shot over your extended hands right there... She has a joyous spirit about her. And she helped us win many ballgames. And she also won a championship.”

— Kim Mulkey, LSU Head Coach

“She has a joyous spirit about her. And she helped us win many ballgames. And she also won a championship.”

— Kim Mulkey, LSU Head Coach

“She'll surely go to the next level and be that same person and hoop.”

— Mikaylah Williams, LSU Junior Guard

What’s next

Johnson will now look to continue her basketball career at the professional level, either in the WNBA or overseas, where she hopes to bring the same passion and competitive spirit that defined her collegiate tenure.

The takeaway

Flau'Jae Johnson's emotional message following LSU's heartbreaking loss in the Sweet 16 highlights the bittersweet reality of the end of a college sports career. Despite the crushing defeat, Johnson's reflections on the amazing experience, lifelong bonds, and championship pedigree she built at LSU demonstrate the profound impact that student-athletes can have on their programs and communities.