Skylar Diggins, a name synonymous with skill, tenacity, and style in the WNBA, recently shared insights into her life as a working mother, her competitive spirit, and her vision for the future of women’s basketball. In an interview with Vanity Fair, the Seattle Storm point guard and six-time WNBA All-Star delved into the evolving landscape of the WNBA, her personal challenges, and her advocacy for improved conditions for female athletes. This article explores the key themes from that interview, providing a comprehensive look at Diggins’ career and her impact on and off the court.
From her early days at Notre Dame to her current role as a veteran leader, Diggins has consistently pushed boundaries and challenged norms. Her experiences, both triumphant and trying, have shaped her into a powerful voice for change within the league. This FYM News article highlights her journey and her perspectives on the issues that matter most to her and her fellow players.
The Evolution of the WNBA: Accessibility and Branding
Skylar Diggins reflects on the significant changes she’s witnessed in the WNBA since she entered the league 12 years ago. “Nobody was taking our pictures when I first got into the league,” she notes, highlighting the increased media attention and branding opportunities now available. The “tunnel runway,” where players showcase high fashion collaborations, exemplifies this shift, transforming the entrance into a “walking billboard.” This increased visibility is crucial for the league’s growth, offering more opportunities for young girls to aspire to play basketball globally.
Diggins emphasizes that the biggest change in the WNBA is accessibility. With games on national TV and enhanced branding, the sport is reaching a broader audience. This not only elevates the profile of the players but also creates a more sustainable and attractive career path for future generations of female athletes. The increased attention translates to greater investment in the league, which is essential for improving player salaries and overall quality of life.
Collective Bargaining Agreement: Prioritizing Salary and Quality of Life
As the WNBA approaches a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), Skylar Diggins is vocal about the changes she wants to see. While acknowledging the persistent pay inequity between men’s and women’s leagues, she stresses the importance of capitalizing on the league’s recent success to secure better salaries and improved quality of life for all players. “For the greater good of the league, salary is the number one thing we’re going to fight for,” she asserts.
Diggins also highlights the diverse priorities within the league, recognizing that its 144 players have different needs. For her, advocating for more benefits for mothers is paramount. This includes resources like childcare, pediatricians, schools, and playdates when players move to different cities. By addressing these practical concerns, the WNBA can better support its players in balancing their professional and personal lives.
Olympic Gold Medal: An Overcomer’s Pride
Reflecting on her numerous accomplishments, Skylar Diggins identifies the 2021 Olympic gold medal as her proudest achievement, especially as a mother. Her journey to the Olympics was fraught with challenges, including previous camp rejections and the postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Making the team after having her son made the victory even sweeter. “What I had to do to get myself on that team made me proud,” she says.
Diggins views herself as an “overcomer,” having navigated significant personal and professional obstacles throughout her career. This resilience and determination have not only defined her athletic journey but have also positioned her as a role model for aspiring athletes and mothers alike. Her story underscores the importance of perseverance and the ability to bounce back from setbacks.
Challenges and Comebacks: Post-Partum Depression and Trades
Skylar Diggins candidly discusses the difficulties she faced returning to basketball after the birth of her second child in 2023. She also shares her struggles with post-partum depression after her first child, which led to a leave of absence from the Dallas Wings. “I wasn’t really able to run around, I was breastfeeding, I couldn’t travel, I wasn’t feeling good,” she recounts. The team’s subsequent treatment led her to request a trade, ultimately landing her in Phoenix.
In Phoenix, Diggins faced further challenges, including Brittney Griner’s incarceration and complications with her pregnancy. Despite these adversities, she continued to perform at an elite level, earning First Team WNBA honors. However, tensions with the team, partly due to an issue with a star player, led to another trade. These experiences highlight the complex dynamics and pressures faced by professional athletes, particularly women, in balancing their careers and personal lives.
Roc Nation Sports: Dreaming Bigger
Skylar Diggins discusses her decision to sign with Roc Nation Sports, a move that represented a significant leap of faith. At the time, the agency was relatively new, with only a few athletes on its roster. However, Diggins was drawn to Jay-Z’s leadership and the agency’s vision for her career. “I wanted to dream bigger and I loved their vision for me,” she explains.
Unlike other agencies that offered cookie-cutter approaches, Roc Nation Sports encouraged Diggins to explore opportunities beyond playing overseas. This allowed her to stay in the U.S. and pursue various ventures, enhancing her brand and expanding her influence. This strategic partnership has been instrumental in shaping her career and maximizing her potential.
The Future with the Seattle Storm and Unrivaled League
Looking ahead, Skylar Diggins is enthusiastic about her future with the Seattle Storm and the opportunities presented by the Unrivaled league. She is excited about the addition of Dominique Malonga, a 19-year-old talent from France, to the Storm’s roster. Diggins believes that Malonga’s dynamic play and the team’s veteran leadership will create a strong environment for growth and success.
Diggins also reflects on her experience with the Unrivaled league, a three-on-three women’s league that offers players equity and better facilities. Formed in response to concerns about overseas play and the need for more opportunities for women, Unrivaled provides a platform for players to blaze their own trails and work with diverse brands. With Paige Bueckers joining the league, Diggins anticipates even greater excitement and attention. She said “We’re really looking forward to her coming. She brings her own fan base, and it will add to the excitement; it definitely brings more attention to the league to have another dynamic player with a group of already decorated players.”
Balancing Passion and Poise: A Holistic Approach
Skylar Diggins shares her strategies for balancing her intense passion with poise. She acknowledges her competitive nature and the need to manage her emotions, particularly when the competition intensifies. To achieve this balance, she incorporates meditation, Pilates, and yoga into her routine, practices that help her slow down and maintain focus. “Sometimes I just have to say ‘whoa’ instead of ‘giddyup’,” she quips.
Her holistic approach extends beyond physical and mental well-being to include her role as a mother. Balancing her career with raising two young children is a constant challenge, but Diggins embraces the journey, viewing it as an opportunity to expose her children to experiences and opportunities she never had.
Conclusion: Skylar Diggins’ Enduring Impact
Skylar Diggins’ journey is a testament to her talent, resilience, and unwavering commitment to advancing women’s basketball. From her early struggles to her Olympic triumph and her advocacy for better player conditions, she has consistently defied expectations and inspired others. Her story highlights the evolving landscape of the WNBA and the importance of supporting female athletes in all aspects of their lives.
As she continues her career with the Seattle Storm and contributes to the growth of the Unrivaled league, Diggins remains a powerful voice for change and a role model for future generations. Her experiences and insights provide valuable lessons for anyone striving to overcome challenges and make a meaningful impact. She said “Playing with great players makes you better. Iron sharpens iron.”
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