30 Facts About Skylar Diggins-Smith

Early Life and Background

Skylar Diggins-Smith's journey to basketball stardom began long before she became a household name. Here are some fascinating facts about her early years and background.

1. Born on August 2, 1990, in South Bend, Indiana, Skylar Diggins-Smith grew up in a sports-loving family. Her mother, Renee Scott, played basketball in high school.

2. Skylar attended Washington High School in South Bend, where she led her team to four consecutive state championship games, winning state titles in 2007 and 2009.

3. In high school, she was a standout athlete, earning the title of Indiana Miss Basketball in 2009. This award is given to the top female high school basketball player in Indiana.

4. Diggins-Smith was also a McDonald's All-American, an honor given to the best high school basketball players in the United States.

College Career at Notre Dame

Skylar's college career at Notre Dame was nothing short of spectacular. She became one of the most celebrated players in the school's history.

5. Skylar chose to attend the University of Notre Dame, staying close to home and playing for the Fighting Irish from 2009 to 2013.

6. During her freshman year, she helped lead Notre Dame to the NCAA Championship game, although they lost to Texas A&M.

7. In her junior year, she was named the Big East Player of the Year, an accolade given to the best player in the conference.

8. Skylar finished her college career as Notre Dame's all-time leading scorer with 2,357 points.

9. She was a two-time recipient of the Nancy Lieberman Award, given to the nation's top point guard.

WNBA Career and Achievements

Skylar Diggins-Smith's professional career in the WNBA has been marked by numerous achievements and accolades.

10. Skylar was drafted third overall by the Tulsa Shock in the 2013 WNBA Draft, marking the beginning of her professional career.

11. In her rookie season, she was named to the WNBA All-Rookie Team, highlighting her immediate impact on the league.

12. Skylar suffered a torn ACL in 2015, which sidelined her for the remainder of the season. Despite this setback, she made a strong comeback.

13. She has been selected to the WNBA All-Star team multiple times, showcasing her consistent performance and popularity among fans.

14. In 2017, she was named to the All-WNBA First Team, recognizing her as one of the best players in the league.

15. Skylar was traded to the Dallas Wings in 2016, where she continued to excel and lead her team.

16. In 2020, she joined the Phoenix Mercury, further solidifying her status as one of the top players in the WNBA.

Off the Court

Skylar Diggins-Smith is not just a basketball star; she is also known for her activities and interests off the court.

17. Skylar graduated from Notre Dame with a degree in Management-Entrepreneurship, showcasing her commitment to education.

18. She married Daniel Smith in 2017, and the couple has a son named Seven, born in 2019.

19. Skylar is an advocate for mental health awareness, often speaking about the importance of mental well-being for athletes.

20. She has a strong social media presence, using her platforms to engage with fans and promote various causes.

21. Skylar has appeared in several commercials and endorsements, including campaigns for Nike and BodyArmor.

22. She is involved in charitable activities, including her work with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

International Play and Honors

Skylar's talents have also been recognized on the international stage, where she has represented the United States in various competitions.

23. Skylar was a member of the USA Basketball Women's U18 National Team that won gold at the FIBA Americas Championship in 2008.

24. She also played for the USA Women's U19 team, winning another gold medal at the FIBA U19 World Championship in 2009.

25. In 2012, she helped the USA Women's National Team win gold at the FIBA 3×3 World Championship.

26. Skylar has been invited to several USA Basketball Women's National Team training camps, reflecting her status as one of the top players in the country.

Personal Interests and Hobbies

Beyond basketball, Skylar Diggins-Smith has a variety of interests and hobbies that make her a well-rounded individual.

27. Skylar is an avid reader and often shares her favorite books with her followers on social media.

28. She enjoys fashion and has been featured in several fashion magazines, showcasing her style off the court.

29. Skylar is a fan of music and has been seen attending concerts and music festivals.

30. She loves spending time with her family, often sharing photos and moments with her husband and son on social media.

Final Thoughts on Skylar Diggins-Smith

Skylar Diggins-Smith's journey from South Bend, Indiana, to WNBA stardom is nothing short of inspiring. Her dedication to basketball, both on and off the court, showcases her passion and resilience. From her college days at Notre Dame to her professional career with the Dallas Wings and Phoenix Mercury, Skylar's impact is undeniable. She's not just a player; she's a role model, advocate, and trailblazer for future generations. Her achievements, including multiple All-Star selections and Olympic gold, highlight her talent and hard work. Beyond basketball, Skylar's commitment to social justice and community service sets her apart. Her story reminds us that with determination and heart, anything's possible. Skylar Diggins-Smith continues to inspire, proving that greatness isn't just about winning games but also about making a difference.