# Mystics coach Sydney Johnson’s viral celebrations

> Coach Sydney Johnson’s dodgeball celebration went viral after a team win.
- Title: Mystics coach Sydney Johnson’s viral celebrations · The Banner
- Summary: Coach Sydney Johnson’s dodgeball celebration went viral after a team win. Washington Mystics coach Sydney Johnson’s viral dodgeball celebration after beating…
- Keywords: sydney johnson, washington mystics, wnba, dodgeball, viral celebrations, seattle storm, atlanta dream, shakira austin, news, local, Mystics, coach
- Source: The Banner — https://thebanner.com/sports/mystics-wnba/washington-mystics-coach-sydney-johnson-viral-celebrations-DP7FJJFSEVFCDL7T4D6BURV5DA
- Author: Andrew Golden
- Published: 2026-09-30T16:28:11.145+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: sydney johnson, washington mystics, wnba, dodgeball, viral celebrations, seattle storm, atlanta dream, shakira austin, news, local
## Viral dodgeball celebration
Mystics coach Sydney Johnson celebrated a win against Seattle Storm with dodgeballs after a team practice incident went viral.

> It was one of Johnson’s first unique postgame celebrations of the season, which was subsequently posted on the team’s social media accounts.
## Over 390,000 views on X
The dodgeball celebration garnered more than 390,000 views on X alone, sparking interest in Johnson’s celebrations.

> The post garnered more than 390,000 views on X alone.
## Johnson’s coaching philosophy
Johnson wants players and himself to experience joy while achieving high standards in basketball.

> I wanted to coach pros and coach players that wanted the best out of everything and had high standards, but also have joy while they’re doing it.
## Team’s playoff hopes
Mystics need to win Game 2 against Atlanta Dream to avoid elimination and force a winner-take-all Game 3.

> The Mystics need to win Game 2 of their first-round matchup against the Atlanta Dream on Wednesday night to avoid elimination and force a winner-take-all Game 3.
## Origin of celebrations
Johnson created a celebration after being banished from the locker room by player Iriafen following a win in June.

> After a win in June, his players were fired up. Johnson, though, maintained a cool disposition, and the team, specifically Iriafen, wasn’t having it.
## Diverse celebrations
Johnson uses dances like the Scuba dance, Griddy, and Michael Jackson’s Thriller to celebrate wins.

> He’s hit the Scuba dance. He pulled out the Griddy. He’s recreated Michael Jackson’s iconic “Thriller” dance.
## Shakira Austin’s reaction
Austin called Johnson’s celebrations ‘definitely different’ but said it was her favorite.

> Austin joked that his celebrations are ‘definitely different,’ but that night was her favorite of the bunch.
## Next steps for Mystics
Mystics focus on winning Game 2 against Atlanta Dream to avoid elimination in the playoffs.

> We’ll just try to get focus on trying to get there, and then whatever comes after that will come.
## Key takeaway

Washington Mystics coach Sydney Johnson’s viral dodgeball celebration after beating Seattle Storm led to over 390,000 views on X.