DiJonai Victoria Carrington, born on January 8, 1998, in San Diego, California, is a professional basketball player for the Dallas Wings in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Known for her tenacious defense and versatile offensive skills, Carrington has carved out a notable career in the WNBA, building on a strong collegiate foundation at Stanford and Baylor universities.
Her journey from a standout high school athlete to a professional basketball player reflects her dedication and the athletic legacy of her family. Carrington’s parents, both accomplished athletes in their own right, have played a significant role in shaping her path to success.
DiJonai Carrington parents
DiJonai Carrington is the daughter of Vickie Carrington and Darren Russell Carrington, a couple whose athletic backgrounds have deeply influenced their daughter’s career. Vickie Carrington was a track and field athlete at Northern Arizona University, where she competed as a Lumberjack. Beyond her athletic pursuits, Vickie has had a significant impact in the sports world as an educator and coach. From May 2001 to July 2017, she served as the Athletic Director at Horizon Christian Academy, where DiJonai attended high school. She later worked as a head coach for the girls’ basketball team and Associate Athletic Director at Christian Unified Schools from August 2017 to March 2023. Vickie is an educator and basketball coach at Santa Fe Christian Schools, continuing her commitment to nurturing young athletes.
Darren Russell Carrington, DiJonai’s father, had a distinguished career as a professional football player in the National Football League (NFL). Born on October 10, 1966, Darren played college football at Northern Arizona University, where he was a standout safety, averaging over 27 yards per kickoff return. Drafted in the fifth round (134th overall) by the Denver Broncos in the 1989 NFL Draft, Darren enjoyed an eight-year NFL career, playing for the Broncos, Detroit Lions, San Diego Chargers, and Jacksonville Jaguars. His most notable season came in 1993, when he recorded seven interceptions for 104 yards. Darren also holds several Denver Broncos franchise playoff records, including the most kick returns in a single game and the highest average return yards in a postseason. He played in Super Bowl XXIV with the Broncos, recording six kickoff returns for 146 yards, and started in Super Bowl XXIX for the Chargers. After retiring from the NFL, Darren transitioned into a role as a marriage and parenting pastor at the Rock Church in San Diego, where he resides with his family.
Career
Carrington’s basketball journey began at Horizon Christian Academy in San Diego, where she emerged as a top prospect. She averaged 18.8 points, 13.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.5 steals per game, amassing over 2,000 career points. Her stellar high school performance earned her McDonald’s All-American and Jordan Brand Classic All-American honors, solidifying her status as one of the nation’s elite players. Ranked as the No. 34 prospect in the 2016 class by ESPN HoopGurlz, Carrington committed to Stanford University to continue her basketball career.
At Stanford, Carrington played from 2016 to 2020, contributing to two Pac-12 Tournament championship wins in 2017 and 2019. She was named to the All-Pac-12 Team by both coaches and media in 2019, showcasing her defensive tenacity and scoring ability. Despite a knee injury that cut her junior season short, she rebounded strongly in her senior year, averaging 14 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. For her final collegiate season, Carrington transferred to Baylor University as a graduate student in 2020-21. At Baylor, she averaged 14.1 points and 4.9 rebounds per game, helping the Lady Bears reach the Elite Eight. Her performance earned her All-Big 12 First Team honors, Big 12 Newcomer of the Year, and Big 12 Sixth Person of the Year awards.
Selected 20th overall by the Connecticut Sun in the 2021 WNBA Draft, Carrington quickly established herself as a valuable contributor. Initially a reserve, she showcased her defensive skills and energy off the bench. Her role expanded over time, culminating in a breakout 2024 season where she started every game, averaging 12.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. On February 2, 2025, Carrington was traded to the Dallas Wings as part of a four-team deal, reuniting her with her partner and former Baylor teammate, NaLyssa Smith. Carrington’s career continues to ascend, with her defensive prowess and relentless motor making her a standout in the league.
Accolades
Carrington’s career is marked by numerous accolades that highlight her growth as a player. In high school, she was named CIF Division V Player of the Year and earned spots in the McDonald’s All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic. At Stanford, she won two Pac-12 Tournament championships (2017 and 2019) and was named to the All-Pac-12 Team in 2019. Her time at Baylor was equally impressive, with All-Big 12 First Team honors, Big 12 Newcomer of the Year, Big 12 Sixth Person of the Year, and All-Defensive Team recognition in 2021.
In the WNBA, Carrington’s breakout 2024 season earned her the Kia WNBA Most Improved Player award and a spot on the WNBA All-Defensive First Team. She also reached a career milestone by scoring her 1,000th point in 2024 against the Los Angeles Sparks. Additionally, Carrington was named to the Athletes Unlimited All-Defensive Team in 2022 and is set to join the Unrivaled League in the 2025 offseason, further cementing her reputation as a dynamic and impactful player.