From South Bend Stardom to WNBA Greatness: Liatu King and Skylar Diggins-Smith

The city of South Bend, Indiana, may be best known for its rich basketball tradition through the University of Notre Dame, but it is also a fertile ground for producing extraordinary basketball talent that transcends the collegiate level. Two such players — Liatu King and Skylar Diggins-Smith — have carved out remarkable careers, moving from South Bend high school courts to the professional arenas of the WNBA, inspiring countless young athletes along the way. Their stories are not just about basketball; they are about perseverance, leadership, and the unyielding pursuit of greatness.

Liatu King’s basketball journey began in the vibrant basketball community of South Bend. Growing up in a city where basketball culture runs deep, King quickly made a name for herself as an explosive scorer and versatile forward at St. Joseph High School. From a young age, her natural talent and work ethic stood out, making her a standout player in the competitive Indiana high school basketball scene.

King’s playing style was characterized by her relentless drive to the basket, sharp shooting ability, and defensive tenacity. Coaches and scouts noted her basketball IQ and leadership skills, which often set her apart from her peers. By the time she graduated from St. Joseph’s, King was recognized not only as a dominant scorer but also as a team leader who could inspire and elevate those around her.

Before Liatu King’s rise, Skylar Diggins-Smith had already left an indelible mark on South Bend basketball. Born and raised in the same city, Diggins-Smith attended Washington High School, where she emerged as a prodigious talent. Her high school career was nothing short of legendary — she was a four-time state champion and was named Indiana Miss Basketball twice, a rare feat that spoke volumes about her impact on the court.

Diggins-Smith’s game was a masterclass in versatility. Known for her lightning-quick speed, dazzling ball-handling, and clutch shooting, she dominated at the point guard position. Her ability to control the tempo of the game and create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates was unparalleled. Beyond her individual skills, Diggins-Smith’s competitive spirit and leadership made her a cornerstone for her team’s sustained success.

Both Liatu King and Skylar Diggins-Smith’s basketball journeys took a pivotal turn when they committed to the University of Notre Dame, a program synonymous with women’s college basketball excellence.

Diggins-Smith’s collegiate career at Notre Dame, beginning in 2009, was a transformative period for her. Under the guidance of legendary coach Muffet McGraw, she developed into one of the nation’s premier players. Diggins-Smith’s leadership on the floor and her clutch performances in high-stakes moments propelled the Fighting Irish into national title contention year after year.

During her time at Notre Dame, Diggins-Smith amassed numerous accolades, including multiple All-American honors and the prestigious Nancy Lieberman Award, given to the nation’s best point guard. Her ability to deliver under pressure was showcased in the 2012 and 2013 NCAA tournaments, where Notre Dame made deep runs, narrowly missing out on national championships but cementing their place as one of the elite programs in the country.

Her style of play at Notre Dame — aggressive yet composed, skilled yet unselfish — made her a model player who bridged individual excellence with team success. Her tenure was marked not only by on-court accomplishments but also by her role as a team leader and role model, both in the locker room and in the broader community.

Liatu King joined Notre Dame a decade later, bringing her own brand of dynamic play and tenacity to the program. Arriving with a strong reputation from her South Bend high school dominance, King seamlessly integrated into the Fighting Irish system, quickly becoming a key contributor.

King’s time at Notre Dame was characterized by her scoring prowess, rebounding ability, and defensive intensity. She embodied the toughness and resilience that Notre Dame basketball demanded, frequently stepping up in critical games and showing the growth of a player with professional aspirations.

Throughout her collegiate career, King demonstrated an evolution in her game — expanding her shooting range, improving her ball-handling, and embracing a leadership role on and off the court. Her work ethic and determination made her a fan favorite and a respected voice among her teammates.

Both Skylar Diggins-Smith and Liatu King’s transitions from collegiate stars to WNBA professionals highlight the challenges and triumphs that come with competing at the highest level.

Drafted third overall in the 2013 WNBA Draft by the Tulsa Shock, Skylar Diggins-Smith’s entrance into the league was met with high expectations. She quickly lived up to them, earning a spot on the All-Rookie Team and becoming a central figure in the Shock’s rebuilding process.

Diggins-Smith’s WNBA career has been marked by her consistent excellence and ability to overcome adversity. Injuries and team changes tested her resilience, but she continually emerged stronger. Her leadership qualities shone brightest when she helped guide the Dallas Wings (formerly Tulsa Shock) to playoff appearances and became a vocal advocate for social justice and player empowerment within the league.

Her style of play — quick, creative, and fearless — made her a perennial All-Star and a player respected not only for her on-court skills but also for her off-court influence. Diggins-Smith has become a beacon for young players, embodying the professional athlete’s role as both competitor and community leader.

Following in the footsteps of Diggins-Smith and many Notre Dame greats before her, Liatu King entered the WNBA with determination to make her mark. Drafted by the Indiana Fever in 2023, King brought her all-around game and competitive spirit to the professional stage.

King’s rookie season highlighted her versatility, as she contributed as a scorer, rebounder, and defender. While adjusting to the pace and physicality of the WNBA, King’s work ethic and coachability stood out, signaling a bright future ahead.

Her rise in the WNBA mirrors the growth of women’s professional basketball — young players like King are entering the league with advanced skill sets, high basketball IQs, and the drive to push the sport forward. King’s trajectory points toward becoming a cornerstone player who can influence the game on multiple levels.

Both Skylar Diggins-Smith and Liatu King exemplify how WNBA players extend their impact beyond the court. Their journeys underscore themes of leadership, advocacy, and the power of role models in sport.

Diggins-Smith has been a leading voice on issues affecting women athletes and broader social justice causes. She has used her platform to speak out on equality, mental health, and community development. Her role in promoting women’s basketball and empowering young girls to pursue their dreams is well-documented, making her a respected figure far beyond her playing ability.

Her openness about challenges she has faced, including injuries and balancing professional and personal life (she’s also a mother), humanizes her and inspires fans to persevere through their own struggles.

While still early in her professional career, Liatu King is already gaining recognition for her leadership qualities and community involvement. Known for her approachable demeanor and strong character, King serves as an inspiration to young athletes in South Bend and beyond.

Her story reinforces the message that with hard work and dedication, local talent can rise to national prominence. King’s continued commitment to excellence and positive influence will likely cement her legacy in the years to come.

The stories of Liatu King and Skylar Diggins-Smith are deeply intertwined with the city of South Bend. Both players’ rise from local stars to WNBA greats serves as a beacon of possibility for the youth in their community. South Bend’s basketball culture, enriched by these athletes’ successes, continues to nurture new talent eager to follow in their footsteps.

The journey from South Bend courts to professional arenas is not simply about athletic achievement; it is a testament to the power of community support, the importance of strong role models, and the limitless potential of young athletes who dare to dream big.

Liatu King and Skylar Diggins-Smith represent the best of what South Bend basketball has to offer — a blend of talent, perseverance, leadership, and heart. Their journeys remind us that greatness is built on a foundation of hard work and the relentless pursuit of one’s goals.

As both players continue their professional careers and impact the game in profound ways, their legacy extends far beyond statistics and accolades. They are symbols of inspiration for every young player who dreams of making it big, proving that from South Bend to the WNBA, greatness is within reach.

If you want, I can also add more specific stats, anecdotes, or quotes to enrich this piece further! Would you like me to?