Raven Johnson heard her name called early in the 2026 WNBA Draft, as the Indiana Fever selected her with the No. 10 overall pick, making her the latest former South Carolina star to go in the first round.
Johnson enters the league with an impressive résumé, including two national championships, two All-American selections, and recognition as the 2025–26 SEC Defensive Player of the Year, among numerous other honors.
After being drafted, she spoke with ESPN’s Holly Rowe, reflecting on the moment.
“Moments like this are what you dream about as a kid,” Johnson said. “Hearing my name called is truly a blessing.”
She now joins an Indiana roster that reached the Eastern Conference Finals last season despite battling injuries to key players like Caitlin Clark. Johnson will add depth to a strong backcourt that already features Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, and Sophie Cunningham.
Renowned for her defensive intensity, Johnson is also a capable shooter and playmaker. In her final season at South Carolina, she shot 39% from three-point range while averaging over five assists per game.
The Fever will open their regular season on May 9.
