Two of the most iconic figures in LSU women’s basketball history, Cornelia Gayden and Temeka Johnson, have officially been inducted into the LSU Athletics Hall of Fame, Class of 2025. With their inclusion, LSU not only celebrates two legendary athletes but honors a legacy built on excellence, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
Cornelia Gayden, one of the most prolific scorers in program history, brought a dazzling offensive presence to the court that remains unmatched. A natural-born shooter with deep range and a fearless mentality, Gayden redefined what it meant to be a dominant guard in the SEC during her time at LSU. From 1991 to 1995, she torched defenses with her ability to create shots from anywhere on the court, becoming LSU’s all-time leader in career three-pointers made and total points scored at the time of her graduation.
Her 49-point explosion against Jackson State in the 1995 NCAA Tournament still stands as one of the most electrifying performances in March Madness history. That same year, Gayden led the NCAA in scoring, averaging 26.8 points per game. Her impact wasn’t just statistical; it was emotional and cultural. She gave LSU fans something to rally around and opponents something to fear. Her style was ahead of its time—a fusion of streetball swagger and fundamental precision that inspired a generation of guards across the SEC and beyond.
While Gayden set the court ablaze with her scoring prowess, Temeka Johnson orchestrated games with grace, vision, and surgical precision. A true floor general, Johnson was the heartbeat of the LSU teams that reached new heights in the early 2000s. Standing just 5-foot-3, she defied every stereotype about size in basketball. Instead, she rewrote the playbook on leadership, passing, and defensive toughness.
From 2001 to 2005, Johnson racked up assists at a historic pace, eventually becoming LSU’s all-time assists leader. Her 945 career assists are a testament to her unselfishness, basketball IQ, and commitment to elevating those around her. She ran the offense with poise and purpose, creating opportunities for WNBA-bound teammates like Seimone Augustus and Sylvia Fowles. Johnson’s command of the court was so complete, it often felt like she had the game mapped out two or three moves ahead.
In 2004, Johnson helped guide LSU to its first Final Four appearance in school history, an achievement that redefined the ceiling for the program and cemented her place among the game’s greats. She was the first player in Southeastern Conference history to post 900 assists and 1,000 points in a career, a dual-threat dynamo who combined consistency with clutch play.
Beyond her on-court contributions, Johnson’s legacy extends to her off-court leadership. She embodied the values of humility, perseverance, and community engagement. After graduating, she went on to enjoy a successful WNBA career, winning a championship with the Phoenix Mercury and earning WNBA Rookie of the Year honors in 2005. Throughout it all, she remained a proud ambassador of LSU, often returning to campus to mentor players and engage with fans.
The induction of both Gayden and Johnson into the LSU Athletics Hall of Fame is more than a ceremonial honor. It is a long-overdue recognition of two trailblazers whose influence is still felt within the walls of the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Their careers may have played out in different decades, but their spirits are cut from the same cloth: fearless, passionate, and tireless in the pursuit of victory.
Gayden and Johnson are not only among the most accomplished players in LSU history; they are also symbols of resilience and determination. Each overcame obstacles that could have derailed a lesser athlete. Gayden, playing during a time when media coverage and institutional support for women’s sports was still gaining traction, carried the burden of being both a star and a pioneer. She took the spotlight and used it to uplift others, showing future athletes what was possible.
Johnson, meanwhile, battled against perceptions of what a point guard “should” look like. Her response was to outwork, outthink, and outplay nearly everyone she encountered. She earned the respect of teammates, opponents, and coaches at every level of the game, and became a role model for undersized players across the country. Her story is one of overcoming not only physical limitations but societal expectations.
The timing of their induction is particularly meaningful. In an era when women’s basketball is finally receiving broader recognition and support, honoring players like Gayden and Johnson helps bridge the gap between past and present. Their success stories serve as a powerful reminder that greatness has long existed in the women’s game—it just wasn’t always given the platform it deserved.
For LSU, adding Gayden and Johnson to the Hall of Fame is a reaffirmation of the program’s proud tradition. It also sends a message to current and future athletes: your work matters, your legacy endures, and excellence will always be honored. The Tigers’ modern dominance in women’s basketball—from Final Four runs to national media attention—stands on the shoulders of pioneers like these.
The 2025 Hall of Fame ceremony brought together generations of LSU faithful, former teammates, coaches, and fans to celebrate the moment. As Gayden and Johnson took the stage, they were greeted with thunderous applause, standing ovations, and tears of joy. Both women expressed deep gratitude, not only to LSU but to the communities that shaped them.
Gayden spoke passionately about her journey, acknowledging the coaches who believed in her and the teammates who became lifelong friends. “It was never just about me,” she said. “It was about representing something bigger. Every time I put on that LSU jersey, I carried Baton Rouge, my family, and my dreams with me.”
Johnson, always thoughtful and composed, reflected on the path that led her from New Orleans to LSU to the pinnacle of professional basketball. “I hope my story shows young girls that you don’t have to fit a mold to be great. If you believe in yourself, if you lead with love and purpose, the game will reward you. LSU gave me the chance to grow into that person.”
Their induction also serves as a rallying point for the LSU community. The presence of Gayden and Johnson in the Hall of Fame enriches the program’s lore and deepens its connection to generations of fans. It also highlights the university’s ongoing commitment to elevating women’s athletics, not just in word but in action.
As the evening concluded and flashbulbs lit up the room, one thing became clear: the legacy of Cornelia Gayden and Temeka Johnson is eternal. They weren’t just great players. They were architects of a culture, standard-bearers of excellence, and heroes for those who dared to dream.
Their jerseys may no longer hang in active rotation, but their stories, their influence, and their spirit remain woven into the fabric of LSU athletics. With their rightful place in the Hall of Fame now secured, Gayden and Johnson stand tall—forever Queens of the Court.