Get to know the athletes driving Virginia Vitesse. From jersey numbers to player bios, these are the women ready to elevate the game.
Shawnda Carter
Introducing Shawnda Carter.
Born and raised in Washington, DC, Shawnda is a decorated athlete whose game speaks for itself — Rookie of the Year, multi-time MVP, and standout at Monroe CC and Washington Adventist University, where she led in both scoring and assists during the 2013–2014 season. She’s also shaping the next generation as a JV head coach and varsity assistant at Lowell School. With DMV roots and a resume full of accolades, she brings leadership, hustle, and heart to Virginia Vitesse’s inaugural roster.
Destinee “Des” Jernigan
Introducing Des Jernigan.
A Washington, D.C. native and proven winner, Des helped lead H.D. Woodson to a championship before becoming a dominant force at Frederick Community College—averaging 18.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.1 steals per game while ranking 18th nationally in NJCAA D2 scoring. She scored over 1,100 points in just two seasons, earned 1st Team Region XX honors, and shot 40% from three. Now making history as the only female head varsity boys basketball coach in DCIAA at School Without Walls, Des brings grit, leadership, and a championship mentality to Vitesse. Proud to welcome her to our inaugural roster.
April Taylor
Meet April Taylor.
Former Georgia player turned brand strategist, April blends on-court insight with off-court marketing mastery. She helps players shine while owning the narrative of her own game. She’s joining Vitesse as a driving force in our inaugural roster.
Alexis "Mayo" Mayo
Introducing Alexis Mayo.
A Freedom High standout who made her mark at Slippery Rock—often praised for her all-around impact as a guard/forward with grit, defensive intensity, and leadership. During her time with the Rock, she logged key performances, including a 6-rebound game at Bloomsburg and four blocks in a single outing. Following college, Alexis continued her passion in women’s semi-professional basketball, sharpening her competitive edge and broadening her on-court experience. We’re excited to have her on our inaugural roster.
Tatianna “Tootie” Johnson
Welcome Tatianna “Tootie” Johnson.
Tootie’s basketball journey began with Boo Williams Red Tide and Team Loaded, earning JV playing time the entire season as an 8th grader at King’s Fork High School. Averaging 18.6 points per game in her AAU season & 21 points per game in her HS JV season – she stepped away from the game after middle school but, her passion never faded. Now, she returns with renewed focus and drive—ready to make her mark as a proud member of our inaugural Vitesse roster. Tootie is an explosive guard with the ability to see the floor and execute in a multitude of ways. We’re proud to welcome Tootie as part of the inaugural Vitesse roster.
Naomi “Nae” Stuger
Meet Naomi “Nae” Stuger.
A Georgia standout turned 4-year NCAA athlete, Naomi enters the Vitesse lineup with over 1,000 career points and 800 rebounds to her name. With a proven record at the collegiate level and experience in semi-professional women’s basketball, she brings power, poise, and polished play. Officially part of Vitesse’s inaugural roster.
Kiyah Stewart
Introducing Kiyah Stewart.
From travel ball beginnings to collegiate competition at Shenandoah University, Kiyah’s journey has been marked by resilience, heart, and unwavering love for the game. A versatile force out of Woodbridge, VA, she brings size, strength, and a deep sense of purpose shaped by her experiences as a military child and overcoming basketball-related knee surgeries. Now beginning her professional basketball career, Kiyah is ready to leave it all on the court and help build something special with Vitesse. Proud to welcome her to our inaugural roster.
Mia Savoy
Welcome Mia Savoy to Virginia Vitesse.
A versatile shooting guard and forward from Chantilly, Mia made her mark at Westfield High School and with SlamCity on the AAU circuit. At Hood College, she earned MVP honors twice and secured multiple all-tournament selections with her two-way impact, court awareness, and clutch scoring. She brings a team-first mentality and competitive fire into this next chapter. Proud to have her on our inaugural roster.
Kerrigan Westbay
Introducing Kerrigan Westbay.
A powerhouse post presence from Ashburn, VA, Kerrigan helped lead Virginia Academy to back-to-back state championships—finishing with a team-best 61% from the field and 36% from three. Her size, touch, and work ethic earned her a spot at Division II Roberts Wesleyan University, where she continues to grow her game. We’re proud to welcome her to Virginia Vitesse’s inaugural roster.
Jada Luani
Meet Jada Launi.
A DMV legend and true student of the game, Jada played four standout years at Washington Adventist University, where she scored 1,765 career points, earned 4x USCAA All-American honors, and was named both Conference Freshman of the Year and Player of the Year. She went on to play semi-pro with the Virginia Lady Bucks and Baltimore Lions, continuing to elevate her game. Now the head varsity girls coach at Montgomery Blair High School, she’s a Springbrook alum and hall of famer, respected mentor, and “South Division Coach of the Year.” We’re proud to welcome Jada to the inaugural Virginia Vitesse roster.
Vanessa Rice
Say hello to Vanessa Rice.
Vanessa has been playing the game since age 9—rising through DMV grassroots with Kettering Cougars, Ball Skills, Lady Liberty, and Fairfax Stars before competing at Stevenson and then Washington Adventist University. At WAU, she became a force, averaging 17.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.5 steals as a senior, earning USCAA All-American Honorable Mention and multiple ICAA Player of the Week honors. Her journey continued at the semi-pro level with the Baltimore Lions, Maryland Jewels, and Maryland Sparks, where she played through 2024. A true vet with fire, fight, and leadership, Vanessa now brings her legacy and voice to Virginia Vitesse. Proud to have her on our inaugural roster.
Daeja Quick
Welcome Daeja Quick to Virginia Vitesse.
A dynamic combo guard with pro experience in Liga De Basquetbol Del Norte (Vaqueras, 2023), Daeja made her mark at UDC as East Coast Conference Rookie of the Year and went on to become a record-holder at Slippery Rock—ranking in the top 25 all-time in scoring, assists, steals, and minutes played. Known for her defensive intensity, leadership, and nonstop motor, she’s a competitor through and through. Proud to have her on our inaugural roster.
Genesis Parker
Meet Genesis Parker.
A DMV guard who’s lit it up from Virginia Tech → Cincinnati → Butler → IU Indianapolis, Genesis brings elite scoring ability, court vision, and leadership shaped by a high-level collegiate career—including a 30-point performance in the WNIT and leading Butler in scoring multiple times. Now, as a basketball trainer & CEO of Preparation Fitness, she’s pouring her knowledge back into the community—developing the next generation of girls’ basketball players right here in Loudoun. Proud to welcome her to our inaugural Virginia Vitesse roster.