In recent memory, fashion has become a big part of the WNBA experience, as players often wear statement outfits to games. The Indiana Fever is one of the teams that has cracked the code when it comes to tunnel fits, with players like Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham, and Lexie Hull leading the charge. In June during the FIFA World Cup, Clark and Cunningham went viral for sporting USMNT jerseys. Another Fever member who can be added to the list is rookie Raven Johnson.

Johnson appeared on the latest episode of the Post Moves podcast alongside co-hosts Candace Parker and Fever teammate Aliyah Boston to talk about her ideas and inspirations when it comes to her viral tunnel fits. Parker tipped things off with a photo of Johnson styling a black Adidas dress and asked her how she made an outfit with the Three Stripes.

“I think we went to Portland, and I saw this Adidas dress. I’m like, I tried it on. I said, ‘Oh, my body’s tea. I’m wearing this.’ Body was shaped like a Coke bottle. I put on some heels, made it a little dressy. And boom, we got that picture right there. Beautiful lady,” Raven Johnson explained with a smile on her face.

The next outfit Parker showed perfectly described Johnson’s versatility. The Fever rookie was sporting a white tank top and camouflage shorts, along with an oversized bright red jacket to match her laced red heels. To complete the look, Johnson styled black glasses and a black purse.

“I just threw something together. That was the last-minute fit. And honestly, I looked in my closet, and I was like, ‘The heels go with the jacket.’ But this is probably like one of my least favorite fits, honestly. Like, it’s just something.”

The next outfit Parker displayed was once again from the Three Stripes brand. Raven Johnson was wearing a burgundy Adidas jacket paired with shorts of the same color. Underneath, she wore a white tank top that matched her white boots, giving a sandwich look as a whole.

“I’m sorry. Adidas just, they’re the best. Like, who’s brand doing it like this? Like, and then you can dress it up with it. Like, you can put heels up. Like, who’s doing that?” Johnson exclaimed.

The final outfit Parker and Boston wanted answers from Johnson was from the WNBA Draft night. Raven Johnson was selected tenth overall in the first round, as she revealed she partnered with the brand Coach. The Fever rookie styled a patchwork blazer-style dress with black platform heels, paired with a small black purse.

“So I partnered with Coach. And we just put something together. So I remember getting on a Zoom with them. And I was like, ‘Make sure this fit is girly. But I want it to be unique. Like, something different.’ And then they were just showing me things. And they showed me the patterns, the schemes. I was like, OK, I see what we’re doing here.” Johnson explained.

The WNBA Draft night was obviously a big moment in Johnson’s career, who was coming off a very successful stint in college with South Carolina under head coach Dawn Staley. Raven Johnson, who admitted she was initially scared of playing under the iconic coach, gradually became one of Staley’s most valued players on the team. Her close relationship with Staley was one of the reasons she developed so much in college, and that relationship has continued even after Johnson went to the WNBA.

Raven Johnson still keeps in touch with Dawn Staley

Johnson and Staley were inseparable for five seasons in South Carolina. So obviously, their bond wouldn’t just evaporate the moment Johnson left for the WNBA. And that wasn’t the case on draft night as well, when Staley was on hand to support Johnson.

Talking about Johnson’s tunnel fits again, Staley has played a cameo role in that as well this season. The Fever hosted the Nigerian national team for their final WNBA preseason game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse back in early May. There, Johnson arrived at the tunnel while on FaceTime with Staley.

“She wants to be part of our tunnel fit, guys,” Raven Johnson told the camera in a video posted by the Indiana Fever on X.

The camera went on to zoom in on Johnson’s phone, and Staley virtually yelled, “Tunnel fit, baby! Let’s go, Fever!”

Even in Johnson’s preseason debut with the Fever against the New York Liberty, Staley was a big fan of Johnson’s performance, as she scored six points on 3-of-3 shooting, three rebounds, eight assists, two blocks, and a steal. All in 18 minutes, coming off the bench. Staley immediately took to X to sing Johnson’s praises.

“@HollywoodRaven I know it’s only a WNBA preseason game, but baby, you look comfortable,” Staley posted on X.

“You are and have been built for the moment. Elite defender. Check! Elite PG. Check! Elite playmaker. Check! I am filled with joy & proudness watching you play! @IndianaFever you got a real 1!”

Under Staley, Raven Johnson had an overall record of 145-9, with her ninth loss coming in her final game, this year’s NCAA championship against UCLA. Regardless, Johnson was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year and had already won two national championships under Staley before this season.

While Johnson has not quite switched to the next gear with the Fever this season, averaging 3.1 points and 1.2 assists per game, she and the Fever are already qualified for the playoffs, where any help would be appreciated by head coach Stephanie White as the Fever will soon begin their quest to win the WNBA championship for the first time in 14 years.