In the game of basketball, connections often run deep. Teammates speak of their camaraderie on the court, but for DiJonai Carrington and her best friend from Stanford, their bond goes beyond basketball. Even with 8,287 miles separating them—Carrington now in Miami and her best friend in Anhui, China—their friendship remains unshaken. A special birthday gesture from across the globe proves that no distance can break their unbreakable bond.

On January 8, DiJonai celebrated her 27th birthday. While she was basking in the love of friends and family in Miami, her best friend, Kiana Williams, who she shared unforgettable moments with at Stanford, made sure she felt cherished from halfway across the world. On Instagram, DiJonai shared a picture of a beautiful bouquet, in her story with the caption, “From my bestie all the way in China.”

For those who know the depth of their friendship, this simple gesture holds significant emotional meaning. The distance between them symbolizes the long journey they’ve each undertaken since their days at Stanford. Together, Williams and Carrington were instrumental in leading Stanford to its first women’s basketball NCAA title in 2021, a milestone that marked the Cardinals’ first championship since 1992.

In fact, it was a dream team that included future stars like Cameron Brink, Haley Jones, and Lexie Hull. That 2021 season, which culminated in an NCAA title, was a defining moment in both their careers. Williams, known for her shooting, led the team to victory, becoming Stanford’s all-time leader in three-pointers, while Carrington brought her own versatility as a guard.

While times have changed, both have gone on to make their mark in the world, Carrington has become an important part of Connecticut’s lineup while Kiana is making her mark in China.

Carrington shines in the WNBA as Kiana Williams dominates in China—A friendship that stands the test of distance

In Anhui, Kiana plays for a young expansion team, where her standout performances have been turning heads. Recently named Player of the Week in 2025, by the Chinese Women’s Hoop Show on X, she led Anhui to back-to-back upsets over Heilongjiang, the top-ranked team in Group B, sparking the team’s renewed playoff aspirations.

Her shooting efficiency has been stellar this season, as she averages an impressive 19 points while grabbing 3 rebounds, and making 5.5 assists per game while shooting over 63% from the field and 58% from three-point range. Her transition from college to pro has been challenging, but Kiana continues to push through, showing her mettle and determination that she had honed at Stanford.

Though Kiana has faced challenges in her professional career, including a few setbacks with the WNBA, she has continued to stay focused on her goals. After being drafted by the Seattle Storm in 2021, she struggled to secure consistent minutes but persevered, earning spots on multiple rosters. Her time with the Connecticut Sun was brief but showcased her talents, and now she’s pushing forward in China with the same determination. Her career, full of twists and turns, is far from over.

Meanwhile, DiJonai has been flourishing in the WNBA, recently signing with Mist BC for the Unrivaled league. As DiJonai celebrates another year, she’s reminded that the bond she shares with Kiana is one that will remain unbroken, no matter how far apart they are. 8,287 miles? That’s just a number when the friendship runs this deep.