Skylar Diggins, a Notre Dame alumna and WNBA stalwart, recently opened up about the threads that tie her professional journey back to the streets of South Bend. Growing up in a city where basketball is more than a pastime, she carries the rhythm of her hometown onto every court she steps onto.
Now in her twelfth WNBA season, Diggins suits up for the Chicago Sky, where she continues to rank among the league’s most versatile playmakers. This year she is averaging 15.5 points, 5.2 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game, numbers that barely capture the impact she has on the game's tempo.
Her influence shone brightly during a recent clash with the Indiana Fever, when a buzzer‑beating three‑pointer forced overtime and reminded fans why she is regarded as a clutch performer. The moment encapsulated a career built on delivering when the stakes are highest.
Off the court, Diggins is known for a disciplined routine that blends work ethic with an unwavering commitment to the sport. She frequently mentors younger players, urging them to stay hungry and to treat every practice as an opportunity to grow.
Mentorship and the love of the game
The decision to join the Chicago Sky was driven by a desire to be closer to family and the familiar rhythm of her hometown. Being nearer to South Bend allows her to stay connected to the community that first nurtured her talent, while also giving her the chance to give back locally.
A die‑hard fan of Notre Dame women’s basketball, Diggins never misses a home game. Her professional trajectory has been shaped by a longstanding bond with head coach Niele Ivey, who first followed her as an assistant coach during her college years.
Her high school career at South Bend Washington culminated in a state championship as a sophomore, and she carried that momentum to Notre Dame, where she helped the Fighting Irish reach three consecutive Final Fours and back‑to‑back national championship games. At Notre Dame she amassed over 2,000 points, 500 rebounds, 500 assists and 300 steals, placing her among the most complete players in school history.
Individually, Diggins sits sixth on Indiana’s all‑time girls basketball scoring list with 2,790 points and holds a unique place in the university’s Ring of Honor. She often describes herself as the most accomplished athlete to emerge from South Bend, a claim that resonates with fans who have watched her evolve from a local star to a national icon.