Tue Mar 31 01:50:00 UTC 2026: ### “Who Can Guard Tessa?”: Viral Moment Fuels South Carolina’s Tournament Run
The Story: A viral moment stemming from a game between LSU and South Carolina has become a rallying point for the Gamecocks as they advance in the NCAA Women’s Tournament. During a game on February 14, LSU coach Kim Mulkey’s frustrated outburst, “Who can guard Tessa?” directed at her players regarding South Carolina guard Tessa Johnson, has been adopted by Gamecocks fans and players alike. The phrase has been printed on shirts, including one worn by injured teammate Chloe Kitts featuring a baby photo of Johnson, as a show of support. These shirts are also being sold through Athletes Thread to benefit Johnson’s NIL.
Key Points:
- The viral quote originated from a game on February 14 between LSU and South Carolina where Tessa Johnson hit four early 3-pointers.
- Chloe Kitts, a South Carolina player recovering from an ACL injury sustained in October, wore a shirt with the quote and a baby picture of Johnson.
- Tessa Johnson is a key player for South Carolina, ranking seventh nationally in 3-point shooting at 44.5%.
- The shirts are being sold by Athletes Thread, with proceeds directly supporting Tessa Johnson’s NIL.
- South Carolina, a No. 1 seed, is heading into the Sweet 16 against No. 4 Oklahoma on March 28.
- Dawn Staley is coaching in her 12th straight Sweet 16 game.
Key Takeaways:
- Viral moments, even those born from frustration, can be powerful tools for team unity and fan engagement.
- NIL deals are increasingly integrated into the fabric of college sports, enabling athletes to capitalize on their popularity and achievements.
- Dawn Staley has built a consistently successful program at South Carolina, making deep tournament runs a regular occurrence.
- The incident highlights the competitive nature of women’s college basketball, where even small comments can ignite a broader narrative.
- Team culture and support appear to be strong within the South Carolina program.
First Piper 