Flau’jae Johnson is rewriting the rules for young women balancing athletic ambitions with artistic expression. The 22-year-old LSU senior—an NCAA champion basketball player aspiring to join the WNBA—is also a rising rapper signed to Roc Nation, proving that “multi-hyphenate” doesn’t even begin to capture her multifaceted career. This holiday season, she’s even flexing unexpected creative muscles as the face of DICK’S Sporting Goods’ “Greatest Wrapper in the Game” campaign, demonstrating her playful energy and signature confidence while tackling a decidedly unconventional challenge: wrapping sporting goods with flair.
This balancing act is no accident. While she credits a former “roll out of bed and go” routine for carrying her through early basketball success, Flau’jae recognizes that approach no longer serves her demanding schedule. She’s swapped frantic 5 a.m. starts for more grounded mornings starting around 6:30 or 7 a.m., allowing time for rituals crucial to her well-being and performance.
“It’s so different now because I have to be consistent every day,” she says, referring to the shift from talented individual to team leader. “People are looking up to me to bring the energy, to bring the knowledge, to bring the confidence.” These expectations extend beyond the court; Flau’jae navigates social media scrutiny, maintains a rigorous training regimen, and prepares for life after college basketball.
To stay grounded amidst the noise, she’s embraced the power of small routines: making her bed as soon as she wakes up, completing 10 push-ups and 25 sit-ups, praying, taking vitamins and ginger shots. “I try not to touch my phone,” she explains. This tech detox is vital for centering herself before facing a demanding day.
Flau’jae’s commitment to fitness goes beyond maintaining her basketball prowess. She finds strength in building visible muscle, expressing pride when a picture reveals “my quad muscles popping out real bad.” Outside of mandated practice sessions, she dedicates time to weightlifting, proving that athletic dedication takes many forms.
This season also marks another evolution for Flau’jae: a newfound focus on personal style and presentation. She’s traded her once-unbothered “messy” look for intentional outfits that elevate her confidence both on and off the court. Pre-game rituals now include touch-ups in LSU’s designated basketball salon, blasting Adele to fuel her pre-game energy. “Look good, feel good, play good,” she asserts, highlighting the clear connection between how she presents herself and her performance.
Even on practice days, knowing she’s being filmed for future analysis provides an extra layer of motivation to look polished—a conscious choice that speaks volumes about her approach to leadership as a senior. This awareness extends beyond personal presentation; Flau’jae admires WNBA players like Napheesa Collier who aren’t afraid to speak up for themselves and advocate for change, particularly regarding player compensation.
“Napheesa—just like how she spoke out,” Flau’jae says, referencing Collier’s outspoken criticism of the WNBA commissioner, “A lot of people don’t do that. A lot of people are scared to.” She recognizes the power in setting an example and demanding fair treatment, even rejecting a poorly compensated NIL offer early in her career to demonstrate her worth.
As Flau’jae navigates her final college season under the watchful eye of coach Kim Mulkey, she relies on both resilience and the unwavering support system she’s cultivated. The grueling practices under Mulkey’s intense coaching style push her beyond perceived limits, proving that true strength lies in pushing past self-doubt. “Sometimes we hold ourselves back because we think we can’t go no more, but once you push past that,” Flau’jae says, “you’re like, ‘Wow, I really am strong.’”
Looking ahead, Flau’jae is poised to leave an indelible mark on the basketball court and beyond. Her willingness to challenge herself creatively and professionally sets a powerful precedent for young athletes looking to break boundaries and redefine success on their own terms.
