Tessa Johnson, a standout guard for the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team, has demonstrated exceptional talent and leadership on the court. As a sophomore, Johnson has significantly contributed to the team’s success, including a pivotal role in leading the Gamecocks to their third national title in 2024, where she scored a career-high 19 points in the championship game.
Off the court, Johnson has been actively involved in community service. During her high school years, she volunteered with Minnesota Camp, an inclusive camp for adults with physical and intellectual challenges, and participated in various initiatives through her church youth group, including serving food at homeless shelters and nursing homes.
While Johnson has expressed a strong commitment to giving back to the community, there are no verified reports of her donating $40 million to charity programs at this time. Such a substantial financial contribution would be notable, and as of now, there is no public information confirming this donation.
The University of South Carolina has a history of philanthropic initiatives supporting women’s athletics. For instance, Lou Kennedy, a Columbia business leader and prominent philanthropist, along with her husband, Bill, launched “The Women of South Carolina” initiative. This program aims to build on the momentum of the university’s women’s sports programs by providing resources for program support, development, career development, and leadership training.
Additionally, South Carolina student-athletes have been actively involved in community service. In 2015, during the athletics department’s annual Week of Giving, more than 100 student-athletes participated in various service opportunities, including volunteering at children’s hospitals, feeding the homeless, and assisting at local farms.
In summary, Tessa Johnson has shown a commendable dedication to both her athletic career and community service endeavors. However, there is currently no evidence to support claims of a $40 million donation to charity programs.
