Skylar Diggins is returning to Notre Dame.
One of the greatest players in the history of Fighting Irish women’s basketball, Diggins is joining the staff at her alma mater as a special advisor to head coach Niele Ivey.
In a news release, Notre Dame says Diggins will be an “outside consultant.” She’ll assist Ivey and her coaching staff and also serve as a mentor to the players off the court. She is expected to be on the bench for most games.
Diggins will serve in the role until the 2027 Unrivaled season begins.
“This is truly a legendary addition. In this new role, Skylar will help elevate our program through her leadership, expertise and unique perspective as both a former student-athlete and accomplished professional,” Ivey said in a statement. “Skylar’s loyalty and commitment to the university have been unmatched. Her ability to motivate, elevate and inspire our student-athletes will strengthen our culture, enhance our team, and create meaningful opportunities for growth and development.
"Her impact will extend far beyond the game, helping shape the next generation of student-athletes and continuing to build a legacy of excellence within our program.”
Ivey is entering her seventh season as Notre Dame’s head coach. She led the Irish to an ACC Tournament championship in 2024, and advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament last season with a team led by two-time ACC Player of the Year Hannah Hidalgo. Ivey previously was an assistant under longtime head coach Muffet McGraw and was the associate head coach of the program when Diggins was a player.
A native of South Bend, Indiana, when Diggins left Notre Dame in 2013 to embark on her WNBA career, she was the program’s all-time leader in points and steals. She had also set or shared 32 school records at the time of her graduation.
From 2009 to 2013, Diggins led Notre Dame to a Big East Tournament title, three Final Fours and two appearances in the national championship game. She was a three-time All-American, a three-time NCAA Regional Most Outstanding Player, a two-time Big East Player of the Year, and a two-time winner of the Nancy Liberman Award for the nation’s top point guard. Notre Dame went 130-21 with Diggins on its roster.
In the WNBA, Diggins has been a seven-time All-Star and a six-time All-WNBA selection. She averaged 14.2 points and 4.9 assists per game for the Chicago Sky this season in 19 games. Diggins is also the owner of an Olympic gold medal, helping Team USA win at the 2021 Summer Games in Tokyo.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Skylar Diggins joins Notre Dame staff as special advisor to Niele Ivey