She's become an Irish all-star in just her first year on the court and now Notre Dame’s Skylar Diggins is getting a different kind of honor.
Monday night Diggins was named a hometown hero by the Boys and Girls Club of St. Joseph County with their “Distinguished Alumna” award.
"I grew up here, I was a member for four or five years and can just remember this place, being a welcoming place where I could come and just be myself, and just establish relationships," Diggins said.
During the day, Diggins visited the Boys and Girls Club where she was treated like a superstar by the kids.
It's all in conjunction with their "Coming Together for Kids" event. Diggins is an alumna of the Boys and Girls Club and officials say she is a young person who embodies the success story of hard work and determination.
"Being able come back and relate to the kids, I love doing things like this," Diggins explained. "You never really look for an accolade like this when you are doing it."
"I figure this is what I'm supposed to do. I figure I'm supposed to be a role model to the kids and be a part of the community. I want these kids to understand that can do whatever they want to do."
When talking with the kids, Diggins stressed that she found herself at the Boys & Girls Club. She also pointed out that while she's known for her game on the basketball, it's her work in the classroom that matters the most.
"I took away a lot of messages I still incorporate in my life today, and just teaching me the importance of giving back to the community like this organization does," Diggins added.
The other award winners include Adrienne Smith, Youth of the Year and Ernestine M. Raclin, who will get the Legacy of Leadership award.