"Pretty girl": South Carolina's Chloe Kitts and others fawn over Tessa Johnson’s 2024 ESPY Award all-black outfit

Tessa Johnson, the South Carolina Gamecocks basketball player, turned heads with her all-black outfit at the 2024 ESPY Awards. The event, hosted by Serena Williams at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on July 11, saw many athletes in attendance, including Johnson's teammates Aubryanna Hall, Te-Hina Paopao, and Sakima Walker.

Johnson posted a series of photos in her black dress, which was complemented by a matching purse, heels, and long earrings.

Her teammate Chloe Kitts commented:

"Pretty girl."

Indiana Fever's Aliyah Boston commented:

"I’m obsessed."

UConn's Kamorea "KK" Arnold commented:

"PERIODDD WHAAAA,"

Screenshot, via Instagram

Gamecocks' Aubryanna "Bree" Hall wrote:

"You look stunning."

Former Gamecock and current Chicago Sky player Kamilla Cardoso commented:

"So pretty."

Teammate MiLaysia Fulwiley simply wrote:

"That gurll."

Meanwhile, one fan called Johnson:

"Miss America."

Screenshot, via Instagram

Tessa Johnson's heroics led to flood of congratulations after NCAA win

Tessa Johnson scored 19 points to lead South Carolina to an 87-75 victory over Iowa in the NCAA championship game. Her 3-pointer in the second quarter tied the game, and another stunning catch-and-shoot 3-pointer from a long pass by MiLaysia Fulwiley helped South Carolina go ahead in the third quarter.

After the game, Tessa was overwhelmed with congratulatory messages.

"When I looked back at my phone, I saw messages from while I was playing," she said following the championship. "They said, 'We're so excited, you're doing so well.' Or, 'The team is doing so well.' Or they would say something about the game. So I thought that was pretty funny."

NBA legend LeBron James also took to social media during the game, posting:

"Tessa Johnson cooking!!" he wrote on X.

As a freshman, Tessa didn't know what to expect but embraced the challenge.

“My parents were getting texts from people they haven't heard from for a long time,” she said. “Just all of it was really cool. Not necessarily surprising, but surprising."

Johnson’s talent helped the Gamecocks complete an undefeated season, making her first year unforgettable.