Tessa Johnson is Ahead of Schedule

South Carolina junior guard Tessa Johnson is way ahead of schedule, and it has nothing to do with her basketball abilities. In only two and a half years, Johnson has already graduated with a degree in psychology from the University after walking across the stage at the December graduation ceremony.

“I’m not going to lie, at first it didn’t really phase me about graduating so early,” said Johnson, who grew up in Minnesota. “Then when I was up there, all I could do was smile. It’s really cool. My family was there. It didn’t hit me as much as someone else because I still have a year and a half here.

“It’s a relief to graduate, but I’m not satisfied because I don’t have my master’s yet. I’m very competitive, and I like to get good grades.”

South Carolina coach Dawn Staley even teased Johnson about her brainier side recently.

“I know Tessa doesn’t want to be known as someone that wears a pocket protector, but she is that,” Staley quipped.

“I don’t even know what a pocket protector is!” Johnson said.

Because of the time commitment associated with college athletics, it’s not uncommon for student-athletes to take a little longer to earn their degree, but Johnson had a plan all along.

“I took college classes and earned college credits when I was in high school (from North Central University),” Johnson said. “I took a psychology class, and it was very interesting to me in learning how the brain works and to understand people in a different kind of way. In high school, I was straight A’s. I took it very seriously. I do not like having any late assignments. I’m very organized. You never have to worry about me getting my work done.”

Johnson admits she may have had a couple of late assignments early in her college career, but she adjusted pretty well.

“I didn’t stop caring about school, I just wasn’t focusing only on class as much my freshman year,” Johnson said. “I regretted that.”

Johnson took advantage of study halls, tutors, and other resources available to Gamecock student-athletes at the Dodie Academic Enrichment Center to keep her on track. She still has a year and half to compete for the Gamecocks and hopes to play professionally after that, but she will start work on her master’s degree to open up other options after her days on the hardwood are over.

“I really like seeing people succeed, and I like listening to people,” Johnson said. “That’s why I was interested in the psychology piece, so I could understand people a little bit more. I don’t know exactly what I want to do with that, but that’s why I’m thinking about getting my master’s in the business program. That could change, but I’ve been praying about it. It has always been my plan to get my master’s.”

She makes it sound easy, but her hard work has paid off.

“Whatever you put your mind to, it’s possible.”

For now, Johnson is getting used to the fact that she’s already an alumna of the University.

“I got something recently that said alumni on it, and I thought, what’s this? I still go here!”

Johnson joined senior teammate Maryam Dauda in earning their degrees during graduation ceremonies on December 15.