University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics
Women's Basketball
- Title:
- Associate Head Coach
- Email:
- temeka.johnson@louisiana.edu
Johnson returns home to the state of Louisiana, where she starred on the basketball court at LSU from 2001-05 and won two state championships as a head coach with John Curtis Christian School in 2021 and 2022.
Most recently, she served as an assistant coach at Western Kentucky University in the 2022-23 through 2024-25 seasons. While with the Lady Toppers she played a pivotal role in recruiting, mentoring, and preparing student-athletes for success on and off the court. In her first season, WKU earned a WNIT berth and Acacia Hayes became the first WKU freshman to lead the team in scoring since Crystal Kelly in 2004-05 while the 2024-25 squad produced the program's first 20-win season in five years.
Johnson brings an extraordinary combination of championship experience, leadership, and passion for player development to the Ragin’ Cajuns.
“It is remarkable how rare it is to find coaching of this caliber," Louisiana Women's Basketball head coach Garry Brodhead said. "Temeka Johnson brings experience at the high school, college, and professional levels, winning at every stage. In the gym, her ability to connect with players, teach, and genuinely care for them truly stands out. Her skill level is second to none.
"Having been in this field for over 20 years, I can confidently say the expertise she can pass on to the women on her team is exceptional," Brodhead added. "College basketball coaching is evolving, and Temeka has a head start—her professional experience gives her insight into what it means to play at the highest level, fundraise to support athletes, and manage a sports program successfully.”
A product of Kenner, Louisiana, Johnson was a standout at Bonnabel High School, where she earned USA Today All-American and WBCA All-American accolades, earning a reputation as one of the nation’s top point guards.
At LSU, Johnson quickly made her mark, becoming the all-time leader in assists not only for the Lady Tigers but also in the SEC and across the NCAA. She holds the LSU record for assists in a game (17 vs. Georgia on March 5, 2005), posted four 15-assist games during her career and accumulated 945 assists, a mark that remains Top 10 in NCAA Division I history.
She was a four-time All-American (2002-05) and the winner of the 2005 Nancy Liebermann Award as the nation’s best point guard. Johnson was an NCAA Regional All-Tournament selection in 2004 and 2005, as she helped lead the Tigers to Final Four appearances in both seasons..
Johnson capped off her collegiate career as the recipient of the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award, recognizing the nation’s top player under 5’8”. She earned her bachelor's degree from LSU in 2004.
Her success continued professionally when she was selected No. 6 overall in the 2005 WNBA Draft by the Washington Mystics. Johnson earned WNBA Rookie of the Year honors in 2005 and went on to have an 11-year WNBA career, playing for the Washington Mystics, Los Angeles Sparks, Phoenix Mercury, Tulsa Shock, and Seattle Storm.
She captured a WNBA Championship with the Mercury in 2009, cementing her legacy as one of the league’s premier floor generals.
During the WNBA offseasons Johnson played in leagues overseas including teams in Israel, Poland and Russia. Since retiring from professional play, Johnson has dedicated herself to coaching and player development.
Through her H.O.P.E. Foundation (Heaven Opens People’s Eyes), Johnson has organized youth mentoring programs, holiday community feedings, and initiatives supporting underserved schools and families — further demonstrating her dedication to making a lasting impact.
“I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to return home and pour into the next generation of Louisiana athletes,” Johnson said. “The Ragin’ Cajuns have a rich tradition, and I’m committed to helping build something special here — not just on the court, but in shaping leaders for life.”
Johnson’s career and influence have been recognized with inductions into both the LSU Athletics Hall of Fame and the New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame.
