LSU Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2025: Celebrating Cornelia Gayden and Temeka Johnson
The LSU Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2025 proudly welcomes two trailblazing icons in women’s basketball: Cornelia Gayden and Temeka Johnson. Their induction is not only a celebration of remarkable individual achievements but also a recognition of the transformative influence they’ve had on LSU Athletics and the broader landscape of women’s sports.
Cornelia Gayden, known for her explosive scoring ability, made her mark as one of the most dynamic guards in LSU history. A transfer from Jackson State University, Gayden brought her elite offensive talent to Baton Rouge and quickly established herself as a force in the SEC. She led the Lady Tigers in scoring during her tenure, regularly putting up highlight-reel performances that electrified fans and overwhelmed opponents.
What made Gayden special was her ability to dominate from all areas of the court. Whether shooting from beyond the arc, attacking the rim, or stepping up in clutch moments, she was a consistent offensive weapon. Her performances earned her multiple All-SEC honors and solidified her place among the program’s greats. Off the court, Gayden was admired for her work ethic and leadership, serving as a role model for younger teammates and helping elevate LSU women’s basketball to national recognition during the 1990s.
Temeka Johnson, meanwhile, is regarded as one of the most complete point guards in college basketball history. Arriving at LSU from New Orleans’ Bonnabel High School, Johnson took control of the Lady Tigers’ offense and never looked back. Her elite vision, unselfish play, and high basketball IQ turned her into the engine of a powerhouse team that reached back-to-back Final Fours in 2004 and 2005.
Johnson’s list of accolades is nothing short of extraordinary. She remains the SEC’s all-time leader in career assists with 945—a testament to her ability to create opportunities and elevate everyone around her. In 2005, she was awarded the prestigious Nancy Lieberman Award, given to the nation’s top point guard. That same year, she earned First-Team All-American honors and capped her college career by leading LSU to a 33–3 record and a No. 1 national ranking.
Her success continued in the WNBA, where she was drafted sixth overall by the Washington Mystics and won Rookie of the Year in 2005. Johnson went on to enjoy a stellar professional career, including a WNBA Championship with the Phoenix Mercury in 2009. Even after her playing days, she remained deeply connected to the game, stepping into coaching roles and continuing to inspire the next generation of athletes.
Together, Gayden and Johnson represent the best of LSU Athletics — skill, leadership, resilience, and legacy. Their impact goes far beyond statistics. They helped shape the identity of LSU women’s basketball and paved the way for future stars who would wear the purple and gold.
Their 2025 induction into the LSU Athletics Hall of Fame is a momentous milestone, not only for them personally but for LSU fans and the entire women’s sports community. As the Hall of Fame continues to honor excellence, Gayden and Johnson’s enshrinement serves as a powerful reminder of what it means to compete with heart, to lead with integrity, and to leave a lasting legacy.
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