Lady Panther Makes Olive-Harvey History

Olive-Harvey College student-athlete Dijiona became the first player in program history to sign with an NCAA Division I university before the start of her sophomore year. This fall, she will continue her academic and athletic career at Florida A&M University (FAMU).

“My coach [Jeff Dillard] was amazing,” Dijiona said. “I loved being a Lady Panther at Olive-Harvey, and I loved my teammates because we supported one another every day. Olive-Harvey feels like home.”

Dijiona chose Olive-Harvey because she received the Star Scholarship and an athletic scholarship; and because she believed in the women’s basketball program and Coach Dillard’s leadership. Her time at Olive-Harvey was full of growth and confidence that prepared her for the next chapter.

“I’m just as surprised as anyone else to leave Olive-Harvey so soon, but it feels right,” she said.

Dillard said Dijiona’s commitment and leadership left a lasting impact on the Lady Panthers.

“Dijiona left her fingerprints on this team,” he said. “Her energy is contagious, and her work ethic both on and off the court motivated everyone. The Lady Panthers celebrate with Dijiona. Her scholarship to FAMU is the ultimate encouragement for her teammates to continue chasing their own dreams.”

Basketball has always been a family affair for Dijiona. One of 12 siblings, she grew up surrounded by the sport and is the first in her family to earn an NCAA Division I opportunity.

“I’m the first person in my family to sign to a D1 school, and they are all proud of me,” she said.

At FAMU, Dijiona will continue exploring Urban Design, Planning and Architecture, a passion she discovered while attending Simeon Career Academy. The South Side Chicago native will miss Olive-Harvey, her family, and her hometown, but she is excited to begin a new chapter as a Division I student-athlete. She is also looking forward to warmer weather.

“I am looking forward to warm days this winter in Florida,” she said.

Dijiona’s achievement marks Olive-Harvey’s second consecutive NCAA Division I signing. In 2025, Lady Panther Khaniah Gardner signed with the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff women’s basketball team and went on to earn All-SWAC Tournament Team honors in 2026.

As Dijiona begins her next chapter, she leaves behind a legacy that will inspire future Lady Panthers to pursue their own dreams on and off the court.