From the jump, it was clear Flau’Jae Johnson was built different. She’s got the sharp wit of a musician, the relentless drive of a star athlete, and the strategic mind of a businesswoman. For a moment, even she thought pursuing all three professionally was “impossible.” But it was her mother who helped her see the vision, reminding her that with the right time management, a serious work ethic, and respect for her circle, any dream was within reach.
That foundation of hustle and humility is real. “When I was growing up in high school, I didn’t pay for trainers because I couldn’t afford it, for real,” the LSU star shared. Whenever someone invested their time to train her, she made a point to be on time and work her hardest—a principle that still guides the rising star Flau’Jae Johnson today. “I know where I want to be, but [I’m] also respecting the people who are helping me on my journey,” she says.
A lot has changed since those high school days. In a beautiful full-circle moment with Instagram, Johnson returned to her alma mater, Sprayberry High School, to pay it forward. She helped organize a locker room makeover, hosted a pep rally, and inspired a new generation of students. Looking back, she’s proud of her laser focus. “I didn’t do nothing in high school but basketball and music,” she says. “I was able to really lock in.” But she knows this is just the beginning.
“I want to work in all areas — sports and music.”
“I want to be a businesswoman. I want to work in all areas — sports and music,” Johnson says. “However I work, this is going to be a reflection of how my future might look.” With that forward-thinking mindset, one of the most valuable lessons of her college career has been learning to work smarter, not harder.
After being sidelined with shin splints last season, she knew it was time for a change. “I was like, ‘No, something’s gotta change,'” Johnson says. She swapped grueling two-hour workouts for shorter, more intentional sessions, prioritized sleep by shifting her wakeup from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m., and never skips a pre-game meditation.
“I learned how to work smarter, I learned how to take care of my body, I learned about recovery,” Johnson says. “I feel like the way I’ve gotten better in my game is mentally; I journal a lot, I read a lot, and sort of get myself in that zen to where I can operate effectively.”
Now, with a wellness routine that fuels her physical and mental strength, Johnson feels ready for whatever the future holds—including the WNBA. “When I think about the WNBA and going there, it gives me a little bit of anxiety, because I really don’t know where I’m going to be in the next six months,” she admits with refreshing honesty. Until then, she’s focused on the one thing she can control: “Winning the championship.”
