It’s never easy losing a loved one, but when WNBA star DiJonai Carrington lost her grandfather recently, it hit a little harder. He wasn’t just family—he was her number one fan, her cheerleader-in-chief, and quite possibly the most devoted supporter in the history of fandom.
Carrington, known for her fiery spirit on the court, showed her softer side off the court in a heartfelt Instagram tribute. And yes, tissues were mandatory.
A Jersey for Eternity
On Saturday, Carrington shared a touching story featuring her grandfather’s casket, which was draped with flowers and—brace yourself—a Connecticut Sun jersey. Not just any jersey, mind you, but the last one her grandpa saw her wear in action. Talk about going out in style.
“I love you forever grandpa and after that,” Carrington wrote. “Had to put the last jersey he saw me play in there with him forever.”
There’s something deeply poetic about this gesture. It’s as if Carrington wanted to make sure her grandpa had front-row seats to her future games, even if it’s from a celestial VIP lounge.
Grandpa’s Grit
In another story, Carrington gave us a glimpse into the kind of man her grandfather was. And spoiler alert: he was nothing short of legendary.
“He fought so hard and through so much pain,” Carrington shared. “My only solace is knowin’ that he can now rest in peace with grandma and the Lord. Really my guy fr. Never missed a game in PHX from a kid to the WNBA.”
Seriously, who does that? This man went from cheering at kiddie games to WNBA playoffs without missing a beat. If there’s a Hall of Fame for superfans, Grandpa Carrington deserves a statue.
A Week of Reflection
The farewell came just days after another emotional moment for Carrington. On Tuesday, the Connecticut Sun guard reunited with her former Baylor coach, the iconic Kim Mulkey.
Picture this: the 5’11” Carrington, now a pro baller, meeting the woman who once helped mold her into a collegiate basketball powerhouse. The duo smiled, hugged, and probably swapped stories that would make a basketball fan weep.
“This reunion >>>,” read the post caption. (Translation for non-millennials: this reunion was everything and then some.)
Mulkey, now coaching the LSU Tigers, was in town for the Basketball Hall of Fame Showcase at Mohegan Sun Arena, the Sun’s stomping grounds. Naturally, Carrington seized the chance to reconnect with the coach who once helped her snag accolades like Big-12 Newcomer of the Year and Sixth Person of the Year.
A Legacy of Love and Basketball
From emotional farewells to heartfelt reunions, Carrington’s week has been one for the books. It’s a reminder that basketball isn’t just a game—it’s a community, a family, and sometimes, a lifeline.
As for her grandfather, we can only imagine he’s already found the best seat in the house, proudly donning that eternal Sun jersey. And if there’s a heavenly league up there, we’d bet he’s already arguing calls and cheering on his favorite player—DiJonai Carrington, forever his MVP.