History of Deja Kelly in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 12, 2025

Deja Kelly is a professional basketball player currently playing for the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA. She previously played college basketball for the Oregon Ducks and the North Carolina Tar Heels. During her time at North Carolina, she earned three first-team All-ACC selections. Kelly is also a McDonald's All-American, achieving this honor while playing high school basketball at Duncanville High School in Duncanville, Texas.

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Full Timeline

1999: Father Played College Basketball

In 1999, Darren Kelly, Deja Kelly's father, played college basketball for Texas and was an All-Big 12 selection.

September 8, 2001: Deja Kelly's Birth

On September 8, 2001, Deja Kelly was born. She would later become an American professional basketball player.

Others born on this day/year

2001: Father Played College Basketball

In 2001, Darren Kelly, Deja Kelly's father, played college basketball for Texas and was an All-Big 12 selection.

November 18, 2019: Commitment to North Carolina

On November 18, 2019, Deja Kelly committed to play college basketball for North Carolina, choosing them over offers from Texas A&M, Duke, and Minnesota.

November 25, 2020: Debut for North Carolina

On November 25, 2020, Deja Kelly debuted for North Carolina, scoring 19 points with four rebounds and three assists in a 90–61 win over Radford.

2020: Ranked as a Five-Star Recruit

In 2020, Deja Kelly was considered a five-star recruit and the number 10 player in her class by ESPN.

February 2021: Matched Season-High Points

In February 2021, Deja Kelly matched her season-high in points in consecutive wins over Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech.

January 2, 2022: Career-High 31 Points

On January 2, 2022, Deja Kelly scored a career-high 31 points, along with four rebounds and four assists, in an 81–62 win against Clemson.

2023: Attended Kelsey Plum's Dawg Class

In 2023, Deja Kelly attended Kelsey Plum's Dawg Class, which is an Under Armour-sponsored camp designed to help top women college athletes transition from collegiate to professional basketball.

2023: Represented USA at FIBA Women's AmeriCup

In 2023, Deja Kelly represented the United States at the FIBA Women's AmeriCup in Mexico, helping her team win the silver medal.

May 2024: Graduated from UNC and Enrolled at Oregon

In May 2024, Deja Kelly graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism. She then enrolled in the broadcast journalism master's program at the University of Oregon.