Skylar Diggins-Smith, one of the most iconic figures in the history of Notre Dame women’s basketball, is returning to the program—this time in a new role. The former two-time NCAA championship game participant and all-time Notre Dame great has been named as an assistant coach for the Fighting Irish women’s basketball team. This move has fans and analysts buzzing with excitement as they anticipate the impact Diggins-Smith will have on the team and the next generation of athletes in South Bend.
A Legendary Career
Skylar Diggins-Smith’s career at Notre Dame is nothing short of legendary. Over the course of her four-year tenure with the Fighting Irish, she helped elevate the program to the highest echelon of women’s college basketball. A standout point guard, Diggins-Smith was known for her leadership, exceptional court vision, and ability to take over games. Her name is etched in Notre Dame’s basketball lore, as she was not just a key player during her college years but also someone who helped shape the modern identity of the program.
Her legacy began in earnest during her freshman year in 2010, when she led the Fighting Irish to the NCAA championship game, ultimately falling short to the UConn Huskies. However, this was just the beginning. In her sophomore season, Diggins-Smith and Notre Dame made another run to the championship game, again facing UConn. Although the Fighting Irish fell short once again, Diggins-Smith’s determination, skill, and clutch performances during both of those seasons caught the attention of basketball fans across the nation.
Throughout her college career, Diggins-Smith received numerous accolades, including being named a consensus All-American, the Big East Player of the Year, and the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player in 2013. Perhaps most impressively, she left Notre Dame as the program’s all-time leader in assists and steals, cementing her place as one of the best players to ever wear a Fighting Irish uniform.
Beyond her individual success, Diggins-Smith also led the Fighting Irish to countless victories, including a national title in 2018 when she was named the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. Her legacy as a player has had an enduring influence on the Notre Dame program, as well as the women’s game in general. She became a trailblazer, proving that women’s basketball could garner the same kind of passion and respect as the men’s game.
A New Chapter: Assistant Coach Role
After a distinguished career in the WNBA, where she became one of the league’s premier players, Skylar Diggins-Smith now returns to her alma mater in a new capacity: as an assistant coach for the Notre Dame women’s basketball team. The announcement of her hiring comes at an exciting time for the program. Notre Dame is in the midst of a transition, with head coach Niele Ivey leading the team to success after taking over for the legendary Muffet McGraw. With Ivey already having deep ties to the program as a former player and assistant coach, the addition of Diggins-Smith brings in even more expertise and basketball knowledge to help guide the Fighting Irish toward future success.
As an assistant coach, Diggins-Smith will play an integral role in player development, particularly with the guards and point guards, where her expertise is unrivaled. Her experience as a player at the highest levels—both in college and professionally—gives her a unique perspective and understanding of the game. Her ability to break down complex offensive and defensive systems, her mentorship of younger players, and her ability to teach the finer points of the game will undoubtedly be valuable assets for the Fighting Irish.
Beyond the X’s and O’s, Diggins-Smith’s ability to connect with players on a personal level is one of her most valuable attributes. During her playing career, she demonstrated a remarkable work ethic, discipline, and leadership that resonated with her teammates. As a coach, she will bring those same qualities, along with her unwavering passion for the game, to help develop Notre Dame’s next generation of stars.
The opportunity for current players to learn from a former Notre Dame great who has seen it all—both as a player and as a professional—could be transformative. Diggins-Smith’s experiences in the WNBA, where she was an All-Star and a key player for the Dallas Wings, give her a vast knowledge of the game at the highest level, and that will undoubtedly be beneficial for Notre Dame’s student-athletes as they prepare for the next step in their own careers.
Impact on the Program
The hiring of Skylar Diggins-Smith is a significant moment for the Notre Dame women’s basketball program. While the Fighting Irish have long been one of the premier programs in women’s basketball, Diggins-Smith’s return represents a new chapter, one where the program continues to build on its tradition of excellence while adapting to the changing landscape of women’s sports. Her leadership, not only as a player but as a mentor and coach, will help cultivate the next generation of players who will wear the Fighting Irish uniform with pride.
For the program itself, the addition of Diggins-Smith as an assistant coach also brings with it a level of national recognition and excitement. Her status as one of the best to ever play the game will undoubtedly attract attention from recruits, current players, and fans alike. It sends a clear message that Notre Dame is committed to developing the best basketball players and that they have access to some of the top coaching minds in the sport.
Skylar Diggins-Smith’s impact on the program is already being felt, even before she has officially begun her coaching duties. The enthusiasm surrounding her return has been palpable, and many are excited to see how she will shape the future of the Fighting Irish. Her presence on the coaching staff also adds to the growing trend of former elite players transitioning into coaching roles and shaping the future of the sport, which could have a long-lasting impact on women’s basketball as a whole.
A New Era for Women’s Basketball
Skylar Diggins-Smith’s transition from star player to assistant coach also highlights the evolution of women’s basketball. As more former players take on coaching roles at the collegiate level, the sport is poised for even greater growth. These former athletes bring with them a wealth of knowledge, passion, and understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest levels. Diggins-Smith is a shining example of how former players can contribute to the future of the game, not just through their on-court achievements but by passing down their expertise to the next generation.
Conclusion
Skylar Diggins-Smith’s return to Notre Dame as an assistant coach is a full-circle moment for the Fighting Irish program and a thrilling development for the world of women’s basketball. With her unparalleled experience, leadership, and dedication to the game, Diggins-Smith is poised to make an indelible mark on the next era of Notre Dame women’s basketball. Fans can look forward to seeing her influence not only as a coach but also as a mentor, and they are sure to witness the development of many future stars under her guidance. The legacy of Skylar Diggins-Smith is far from over—it’s just beginning a new and exciting chapter.
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