The lights were bright, the cameras were rolling, and JJ Quinerly stood surrounded by more than a hundred people—friends, family, teammates—all holding their breath. Her eyes were locked on the screen, waiting. Moments earlier, she’d watched Aziaha James walk across the stage. She’d heard Rebecca Lobo’s words—“It doesn’t matter where you’re picked after this. It’s where you fit.” And just like that, JJ’s nerves eased.

Then came her moment. The Dallas Wings called her name with the 27th overall pick in the WNBA Draft. The room exploded in celebration. JJ turned and hugged the two people who’ve been in her corner since day one—her parents, John and Nikosha.

Who are Nikosha and John Quinerly?

Every great athlete leans on a support system, and for JJ Quinerly, that strength begins with her parents. While limited information is available about the two, it is clear that they have shaped how JJ sees life.

When JJ suffered a devastating ACL tear that nearly derailed her high school career, the calls from recruiters slowed. Some disappeared altogether. But not West Virginia—and certainly not her parents. Through the uncertainty, it was John and Nikosha who kept her grounded. “She was just determined to come back,” her mom recalled, holding back emotion. “We’re so proud of her, just to see her tenacity, her resilience, her motivation all through her rehab.”

That determination wasn’t just JJ’s. Her father, John, was fighting his own battle at the time. He had been diagnosed with a kidney disease, a quiet struggle he carried while still showing up for his daughter in every way he could. “I think that motivated her even more,” he said. “I’m very excited for her and so proud of her, not just on the court, but also off.”

John knew a thing or two about sacrifices. Back in 2010, he stepped away from his coaching role after the sudden loss of his mother. Family has always come first for the Quinerlys—and that kind of loyalty is something JJ has never forgotten.

The Quinerly family is a tight-knit bunch. JJ’s younger brother, Nhyre’ John Quinerly, currently plays football at Norfolk State—the very school where their parents’ story began. Though the family keeps most of their life private, their impact on JJ is impossible to miss. From packed high school gyms in Virginia to the big lights of the WNBA Draft, John and Nikosha have been there every step of the way.

JJ Quinerly remains indebted to her parents for her WNBA success 

The moment JJ Quinerly heard her name called during the WNBA Draft, everything paused. Years of hard work, pain, rehab, and quiet determination came rushing back. For her, this wasn’t just about basketball—it was about family.

“I’m just grateful and blessed to be picked where I was picked,” she said with a calm smile. “Now I’m ready to go to work. And that’s what I’m going to go out and do.” That mentality didn’t come out of nowhere. JJ watched her father, John, fight through illness and never complain. So, she pushed through the lonely days of injury recovery. Her confidence dipped at times, but her parents stood tall with her. They believed in her even when others didn’t.

Her mom, Nikosha, was beaming with pride. “This is so amazing. It’s unreal,” she said. “But we worked together as a family and look where she is today. It’s absolutely amazing to watch her dreams come true.”

For John, watching his daughter step into the league meant even more. He’d seen the tears, the late nights, the mental toll of feeling left behind when the offers stopped. “This means a whole lot. She put everything into this,” he said. “But you can put everything into it and it may not happen. Just for her to hear her name be called and be a part of the association is big. I’m happy for her.”

JJ carved her path to the WNBA without shortcuts or guarantees. She faced every setback head-on and kept moving forward. Now, she joins a special group of Hampton Roads legends like Elizabeth Williams and Sugar Rodgers—players whose names echo through the region’s basketball halls. She’ll also team up with other young stars like Paige Bueckers, Aziaha James, Madison Scott, and Aaronette Vonleh—hungry rookies all stepping into their moment.

And while many came to celebrate JJ that night, one voice stood out—her college coach, Mark Kellogg. “I just had to be here for JJ who has given so much to our university, our basketball program,” he said. “She’s on the Mount Rushmore and one of the best that’s ever played at West Virginia.”

Kellogg knows how hard the next step will be. The WNBA is tight. Small rosters, fierce competition. Yet, he is not worried. “She’s going to have to go prove herself and beat out a veteran or even another rookie,” he admitted. “But that kid knows how to work. We’re not worried about that.”