LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson reflects on the transformative nature of the past few weeks following her team’s victory in the NCAA Championship. With a sense of awe, the 19-year-old describes the experience as “life-changing” and the culmination of years of dedication and hard work. In an interview with PEOPLE, Johnson expresses gratitude for the moment she’s long pursued.

The attention garnered by Johnson and her teammates has been staggering, drawing in an audience of 9.9 million viewers, including notable figures from the entertainment world. Among those who have reached out to Johnson, she mentions Teddy Riley, a legendary producer whose acknowledgment she describes as surreal given his iconic collaborations. Additionally, she shares her excitement about receiving praise from her favorite artist, Kehlani, whose admiration for Johnson’s dual talents in basketball and music left her incredulous.

Johnson’s own music, notably her track “Big 4,” which resonated throughout the arena after LSU’s triumph, has earned her acclaim from industry heavyweights. She recounts the thrill of seeing her work acknowledged by renowned artists like Lil Baby and Nicki Minaj, whose reposts and affirmations have further fueled her sense of accomplishment.

For Johnson, the outpouring of support from her musical idols adds another layer of validation to her multifaceted journey, reinforcing her belief in the convergence of her passions on a grand stage.

Since her song caught the attention of renowned rapper Lil Wayne, Flau’jae Johnson has found herself at a crossroads, deliberating over which tracks to share with the hip-hop icon for a potential collaboration. With a discerning eye for quality, the LSU freshman is determined to present material that truly reflects her talent and ambition. “I don’t want to just send anything to Lil Wayne, so I’m ensuring that whatever I share is something significant,” she confides, emphasizing her desire to make a memorable entrance into the music industry.

For Johnson, the prospect of collaborating with Lil Wayne represents more than just a creative partnership—it’s a potential gateway to broader recognition and success. “I feel like this could be my entrance to the industry, and I want to make it a good one,” she asserts, acknowledging the pivotal opportunity before her.

Reflecting on the whirlwind of attention and support she’s received since clinching the NCAA Championship with the LSU Tigers, Johnson admits to being taken aback by the overwhelming response from celebrities, fans, and fellow athletes. “I didn’t expect it at all; it’s actually insane,” she marvels, underscoring the unexpected magnitude of her newfound fame.

The magnitude of being a national champion has gradually dawned on Johnson, revealing itself through the myriad benefits and opportunities that have come her way, particularly through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. “I didn’t realize the weight that being a national champ held, but man, it’s just been amazing,” she reflects, acknowledging the profound impact of her team’s victory, which captivated an audience of 10 million viewers during the championship game against the Iowa Hawkeyes in Houston.

As Johnson navigates the post-championship spotlight, she remains poised to capitalize on the momentum, eagerly embracing the possibilities that lie ahead in both her basketball career and burgeoning music endeavors.