Diamond DeShields Embraces Role As Locker Room Leader
Diamond DeShields Returns To Basketball Court With Big Faith, Embraces Role As Locker Room Leader
Source: Cooper Neill / Getty
Four years ago, Chicago Sky guard Diamond DeShields was unsure if she’d retain her ability to walk, let alone play basketball.
In January 2020, doctors discovered spinal schwannoma on the then 24 year old’s spine. The condition, usually found in men over 40, required immediate surgery as the tumor could cause severe nerve damage or worse, paralysis.
The nine-hour procedure temporarily took the former All Star’s ability to walk. “I couldn’t feel my feet after surgery, and when the sensation came back, they were sensitive. I couldn’t wear sneakers. I could not walk,” she recounted. Painful body tremors that lasted hours at a time, and later a knee injury, also left her body damaged. The player underwent intense physical therapy and training to regain mobility.
DeShields admits her mental health took a hit as well. “I struggled mentally, coming to grips with the possibility of my entire livelihood changing. To make matters worse, COVID hit two months after my surgery, and I was no longer able to go to physical therapy or see my doctors. I left Chicago for Atlanta to quarantine with my family. I cried a lot and spent most days on the couch—I physically couldn’t pull myself off it. I felt as if I were getting beat down every day,” she shared.
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She credits her faith to helping her through the difficult time. “I think it [faith] gives you a different layer of accountability to have in your life so that when things start to go awry, you are able to ground yourself instead of panicking,” DeShields shared. “I’ve had to have a deep exploration of my faith. Sometimes I literally just ask God, like, why? But when you are rooted in the Word you get to look to it in those moments. Personally, I wouldn’t be here without it.”
Chicago Sky head coach, Teresa Weatherspoon, nicknamed DeShields the “Comeback Kid,” saluting her journey back to full health and her return to the franchise that drafted her.
In her first game back in good health after two years, DeShields reminded the league why she deserves to be there. The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) champion scored 14 points in the game against the Dallas Wings.
Her enthusiasm was hard to miss. “I was just happy to feel. You know, to feel my heartbeat and take in that environment here,” she explained.
The 29-year-old has found new purpose through her trials.
“I genuinely think that I’ve been put here in this situation to inspire and encourage people as they face their own hardships,” she shared. “This is not something I take for granted at all. That’s something I can have permeate the locker room, to create a sense of responsibility to the game.”
Her teammates appreciate her faith and winning attitude as well. “When she says something [to the team] it’s always like ‘that was a perfect quote to say Diamond,’” veteran point guard Lindsay Allen said.
And DeShields feels connected to the team through faith.
“We have some believers [on the team] for sure, starting with [head coach Teresa Weatherspoon],” she shared. I’m very blessed to have a coaching staff and teammates who pray for me. Like laid their hands on me [and prayed]. For me that’s very, very rare.”
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DeShields comes from a family of pro athletes. Her father Delino “Bop” DeShields and older brother Delino DeShields, Jr. both played Major League Baseball. She hopes to continue the legacy by accomplishing the goal of making the Olympics team.
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Diamond DeShields Returns To Basketball Court With Big Faith, Embraces Role As Locker Room Leader was originally published on elev8.com
