From South Bend Stardom to WNBA Greatness: Skylar Diggins-Smith and Liatu King Continue Notre Dame’s Legacy on the Game’s Biggest Stage

Notre Dame’s legacy in women’s basketball is among the most storied in the sport, and the continued excellence of its alumnae in the WNBA only strengthens that reputation. In a league filled with the game’s brightest stars, few names shine with as much pride and inspiration for Fighting Irish fans as Skylar Diggins-Smith and the newly minted professional, Liatu King. Their paths may have been separated by years and circumstances, but their stories both begin in South Bend and converge again in the professional ranks, where they represent not only their alma mater but the standard of excellence it upholds.

Skylar Diggins-Smith, already a household name in women’s basketball, remains one of the most dynamic guards to ever come out of Notre Dame. A four-time All-American and a driving force behind Notre Dame’s dominance in the early 2010s, Diggins-Smith was the face of the program during a golden era. Her intensity, leadership, and unrelenting motor led the Irish to three Final Four appearances and two national championship games. More than just a prolific scorer, she embodied the grit and IQ that made Muffet McGraw’s teams such a nightmare for opponents.

Since entering the WNBA as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2013 draft, Diggins-Smith has forged a professional career as impressive as her collegiate one. With multiple All-Star selections, a reputation as one of the most skilled playmakers in the league, and a platform that transcends basketball, she’s become a trailblazer on and off the court. Whether suiting up for the Tulsa Shock, the Dallas Wings, or the Phoenix Mercury, Diggins-Smith has never been anything less than elite.

Now in 2025, with the Seattle Storm, Skylar’s career enters a new chapter. Pairing her veteran savvy with one of the league’s most promising young rosters, Diggins-Smith is still putting up elite numbers and mentoring the next generation. Her journey is a testament to longevity, adaptability, and the type of leadership that echoes what she learned under the golden dome.

Meanwhile, the torch is being carried forward by Liatu King, whose story is one of resilience, growth, and relentless development. After transferring to Notre Dame and becoming a star in the ACC, King established herself as one of the best post players in the country. Her impact was immediate and undeniable — a double-double machine, King bullied opponents with her strength inside, expanded her game with a reliable mid-range jumper, and dominated the glass night in and night out.

While she may not have been the same high-profile name coming into college as Diggins-Smith, King’s rise mirrored the core values of Notre Dame basketball — hard work, discipline, and team-first mentality. She played with an edge that quickly made her a fan favorite in South Bend. Her leadership and consistency helped the Fighting Irish return to national prominence, and her performance in the NCAA Tournament — especially during Notre Dame’s deep runs — showed she belonged on the sport’s biggest stage.

When her name was called on WNBA Draft night, it was more than a personal achievement — it was a declaration that the next great Irish pro was ready. Joining a league that is deeper and more competitive than ever, King has already begun to carve out a niche for herself. In her rookie season, she’s turning heads with her energy, rebounding tenacity, and ability to play both ends of the floor. Much like Diggins-Smith a decade before her, she’s showing that Notre Dame’s player development pipeline is as strong as ever.

Their impact isn’t just in the stat sheets or win-loss columns — it’s in the way they represent. Skylar and Liatu carry the Notre Dame flag with them wherever they go, in interviews, on social media, in charity work, and through the integrity with which they conduct themselves. That pride and sense of mission resonates deeply with fans of the program. For younger players watching — both current Notre Dame athletes and high school recruits — these women are living proof of what’s possible when you commit to the Notre Dame way.

There’s something special about the Notre Dame connection — an unbreakable thread that ties generations of players together. Whether it was Ruth Riley, Diggins-Smith, Arike Ogunbowale, or now Liatu King, each era of Irish basketball has contributed something unique and lasting to the game. And the camaraderie between them isn’t just symbolic; it’s tangible. Players like Skylar often reach out to rookies like King, offering advice, encouragement, and mentorship. It’s part of what makes the Notre Dame family so tight-knit and powerful. The tradition is alive and well, not just in name but in action.

Skylar Diggins-Smith’s evolution into a leader, advocate, and cultural icon has had ripple effects throughout women’s basketball. She’s spoken out on issues of gender equality, pay equity, and motherhood in sports — all while continuing to perform at an elite level. Her courage in being vocal and vulnerable has made her a role model far beyond Notre Dame or the WNBA. That same strength of character is something fans are already beginning to see in King, who has shown maturity and confidence well beyond her years as a rookie.

As the WNBA continues to grow in popularity and visibility, the presence of Notre Dame stars like Skylar and Liatu only enhances that growth. They attract attention not just because of where they came from, but because of what they bring to the table: skill, class, and a drive to be great. For the university, seeing these players excel is validation of its continued commitment to excellence in women’s athletics. For Coach Niele Ivey, herself a Notre Dame great and now the leader of the program, it’s a source of deep pride.

Ivey has spoken often about building “the next wave” — a new generation of Fighting Irish greats who can leave their own mark on the game. Having played alongside and coached some of the best to ever don the uniform, she knows what greatness looks like. In Skylar and Liatu, that greatness is undeniable. Their careers are case studies in what happens when talent meets opportunity in a culture that refuses to settle for less than the best.

South Bend has always been a launchpad for greatness. For Skylar, it was where she transformed from a gifted high schooler into a national icon. For Liatu, it was the place where she found her game, her confidence, and her voice. Now both are part of a broader mission — to elevate the women’s game, inspire the next generation, and build something that outlasts even their own stellar careers.

Notre Dame fans have a lot to be proud of. The banners in Purcell Pavilion. The unforgettable tournament runs. The fierce rivalries. But perhaps nothing is more enduring than watching its stars continue to shine at the highest level. From the moment they put on the blue and gold, they were part of something bigger than themselves. And now, on the biggest stage of all, they carry that spirit forward.

Skylar Diggins-Smith and Liatu King are living proof that Notre Dame doesn’t just prepare you to play — it prepares you to lead, to inspire, and to transform the game. Their journeys from South Bend to the W are still unfolding, but one thing is certain: wherever their paths lead next, they will carry the heart of the Fighting Irish with them. Always.