UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.- Head coach of Penn State women's basketball Carolyn Kieger secures Louisiana transfer Tamera Johnson. The 5-11 forward has spent four seasons with the Ragin' Cajuns, taking her COVID freshman season in 2021-22. Johnson becomes the second transfer added by the Lady Lions.
"We are excited to welcome TJ to our Penn State family," said Kieger. "Her versatility, athleticism, and scoring ability make her an impressive presence on the court. TJ's dedication and work ethic align perfectly with our teams' goals, and we are confident her impact will be felt on both ends of the floor. We look forward to seeing TJ contribute to our success this season."
The senior transfer averaged double figure scoring in her most recent two seasons at Louisiana, including a career best 11.3 points per game during the 2022-23 campaign. She ranked 15th in blocks (18), 18th in rebounding (6.1) and 22nd in steals (41) in the Sun Belt this past season while producing the second highest scoring average on the team (10.2) and leading the squad in rebounding, steals and blocks.
In her most recent season, Johnson produced 17 double-digit scoring efforts and three double figure rebounding outings to total three double all double-doubles. Her 42.9 field goal percentage was the second highest among the starting five and she led the sqaud in field goals made with 120 on the year. After returning from injury in January of 2024, she immediately made an impact on the floor, scoring a season high 20 points in her first appearance. The Louisiana native went on to produce seven consecutive double-digit scoring performances. Johnson was named the Sun Belt Player of the Week on Nov. 21 after posting a 17-point and 17-rebound double-double, marking a career high boards for the senior transfer.
Johnson helped lead her team to a Cinderella run in the Sunbelt Tournament, upsetting no. 2 Troy in the quarterfinals. The Ragin' Cajuns defeated Troy with a 12-point come-from-behind victory to advance to the semifinals with Johnson scoring 12 points in the win.
