LSU Star Flau'jae Johnson Prepares for WNBA Draft

The basketball phenom and recording artist looks to inspire young girls as she takes the next step in her career.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:05pm

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A fractured, geometric painting in vibrant colors depicting the basketball skills, musical talents, and inspirational story of Flau'jae Johnson, an LSU athlete who has overcome challenges to become a role model for young women.A cubist-inspired illustration captures the multifaceted talents and achievements of LSU basketball star and recording artist Flau'jae Johnson as she prepares for the WNBA draft.Baton Rouge Today

Flau'jae Johnson, a standout basketball player at LSU who also found success as a recording artist, is preparing to be selected in the upcoming WNBA draft. Johnson, who was named after her father, a rapper who was killed before she was born, has overcome obstacles throughout her life to become a 2,000-point scorer, Billboard-charting artist, and corporate powerhouse.

Why it matters

Flau'jae Johnson's journey from a young girl breaking gender barriers in her hometown to becoming a college basketball star and successful recording artist serves as an inspirational story for aspiring athletes and artists, particularly young women. Her refusal to let societal norms define her path and her commitment to uplifting her teammates make her a role model for the next generation.

The details

Flau'jae Johnson, a native of Georgia, has overcome significant challenges throughout her life. Named after her father, a rapper who was killed before she was born, Johnson has used her father's legacy as motivation to reach her full potential. She broke gender barriers early on, becoming the first girl on her local baseball team and the first girl to compete in the Iverson Classic. In 2018, she appeared on America's Got Talent, passionately performing an original song called 'I Can't Lose.' At LSU, Johnson continued to excel, helping the team win its first national championship in her freshman year. Over her four-year college career, she averaged 14.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, and earlier this month, the mayor of Baton Rouge presented her with a key to the city in recognition of her accomplishments.

  • Flau'jae Johnson will be selected in the 2026 WNBA draft on April 13, 2026.
  • In 2018, Johnson appeared on America's Got Talent and performed an original song called 'I Can't Lose'.
  • Johnson helped the LSU women's basketball team win its first national championship in her freshman year.

The players

Flau'jae Johnson

A standout basketball player at LSU who also found success as a recording artist, Flau'jae Johnson is preparing to be selected in the upcoming WNBA draft. She was named after her father, a rapper who was killed before she was born, and has used his legacy as motivation to reach her full potential.

Kim Mulkey

The head coach of the LSU women's basketball team, Kim Mulkey has played a pivotal role in Flau'jae Johnson's development and success.

Sid Edwards

The mayor-president of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Sid Edwards presented Flau'jae Johnson with a key to the city in recognition of her incredible college basketball career.

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What they’re saying

“If I was watching this game, I'd turn it off.”

— Kim Mulkey, LSU Head Coach

“I'm a trailblazer, and my path isn't defined by societal norms. How can I inspire young girls to defy limitations if I don't embody that courage myself?”

— Flau'jae Johnson

“All people want is someone to believe in them.”

— Flau'jae Johnson

The takeaway

Flau'jae Johnson's inspiring journey from a young girl breaking gender barriers to becoming a college basketball star and successful recording artist demonstrates the power of determination, resilience, and a refusal to be defined by societal norms. As she prepares to take her talents to the professional level, she will continue to serve as a role model for aspiring athletes and artists, particularly young women, who are seeking to defy limitations and achieve their dreams.