CARROLLTON, GA —  In the 127 years Carrollton High School has honored valedictorians, a tradition dating back to 1898, none have also signed an athletic scholarship to compete at the collegiate level – until now. Daija Preston, Class of 2025, has redefined excellence, leaving a legacy as the first Trojan to achieve this dual distinction.

Daija had an outstanding career with the girls basketball program, serving as a team captain her junior and senior seasons. She was a first-team all-region selection in her junior and senior years, earning co-region player of the year honors this past season. Additionally, she was named GACA All-State the past two seasons and was an Atlanta Tip Off Club honorable mention this season. 

Preston expressed gratitude for her time at Carrollton and looks forward to representing the Trojan Nation at the next level.

"I am so thankful for the journey I had at Carrollton High School," Preston said. "The Carrollton community is such a family-oriented, unmatched culture, and I loved my time there. I will forever be grateful to all my teachers and coaches who pushed me to achieve this distinction. I'm excited to take what I have learned—on and off the court, and in the classroom—to the next level."

Daija wrapped up her storied career with 1,032 points, 421 rebounds, 308 assists, and 203 steals. The moment she stepped on campus, head girls basketball coach Shon Thomaston quickly recognized her unique qualities as a student-athlete.

"The very first day I met Daija, I knew she was first class in everything she did," Thomaston said. "You could feel from her family that settling for second wasn’t part of her DNA. Her determination to be the best athlete—male or female—was only matched by her determination to be the best student-athlete. That speaks volumes about how she was raised and the standards she holds for herself. No one has done it better; she is the total package."

Daija received nearly 30 scholarship offers, totaling more than $4 million in academic and athletic opportunities. CHS Athletic Director Elizabeth Sanders said Daija's drive and commitment set her apart, maintaining academic focus even during athletic moments.

"Daija was the epitome of a student-athlete at Carrollton High School," said CHS Athletic Director Elizabeth Sanders.  “During the region tournament at East Coweta, I looked up and saw her doing schoolwork in the stands before stepping on the court to help the team win a region championship. She’s one of the most focused individuals I've ever met, and will be an example to young Trojans for years to come. If anyone 'just gets it,' it’s Daija Preston."

Daija is continuing her athletic and academic pursuits at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she will play women's basketball and major in engineering. She is currently taking summer classes and has officially settled into life as a Division 1 student–athlete.

Carrollton City Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Albertus (left) is pictured congratulating Daija Preston at the Carrollton High School graduation ceremony. 

Daija is pictured converting a layup in their GHSA state playoff victory over Collins Hill. She wrapped up her storied career with 1,032 points, 421 rebounds, 308 assists, and 203 steals. 

Daija Preston (‘25) has officially enrolled at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), where she will play women’s basketball and major in Engineering.