Photo by: AJ Henderson - Georgia Southern Athletics
FEATURE: Diamond Stokes Setting A New Legacy At Georgia Southern
2/28/2024 1:00:00 PM | Women's Basketball
First-generation college student is grateful for her opportunity to play and study for the Eagles
STATESBORO - Growing up in a basketball family, Georgia Southern senior forward Diamond Stokes started playing the sport at an early age after discovering her athleticism.
"I started playing basketball because I was athletic, I realized that in the third grade," Diamond says. "I grew up in a family of basketball, and everybody plays so I felt like it was only right if I did it."
Diamond previously played for Wright State and came to Georgia Southern in 2022 and almost immediately showed why she earned her spot on the court. Having six games with double digit scoring and collecting a double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds against Life University.
The 6-3 forward is no stranger to playing for winning teams, coming from Simeon high school (in Chicago) where she helped the Wolverines win championships in both 2017 and 2018.
"It was fun playing in high school, I played with a pretty good team," said Diamond. "Everyone was very skilled and athletic so it was easier."
The Chicago native also helped Simeon win a conference championship in 2019, the 2020 Chicago City Champion, 2020 Illinois State Champion and scored the game winning shot to help lock down a 2020 State Championship.
Diamond is not only a back to back champion but also a first generation college student, which can be a challenge, but giving up is something Diamond mentioned she just cannot do. "I'm not big on giving up, if I start something I feel like I need to finish it," said Diamond. "I'll be the first generation in my family to finish college, so I'm really putting on for myself and my family."
She also spoke on why she chose Georgia Southern, and of course family was her number one reason. "It is (Georgia Southern) family-oriented, I wanted to be comfortable while being far from home," Diamond says. "And I needed people around me that make me feel like I'm at home."
After graduation she plans to use her extra eligibility to return to her new found family at Georgia Southern.
Even though she'll be returning with the Eagles, Diamond shared some simple advice for her future teammates and new future Eagles. "When things get hard just keep going." Diamond shared.
"I started playing basketball because I was athletic, I realized that in the third grade," Diamond says. "I grew up in a family of basketball, and everybody plays so I felt like it was only right if I did it."
Diamond previously played for Wright State and came to Georgia Southern in 2022 and almost immediately showed why she earned her spot on the court. Having six games with double digit scoring and collecting a double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds against Life University.
The 6-3 forward is no stranger to playing for winning teams, coming from Simeon high school (in Chicago) where she helped the Wolverines win championships in both 2017 and 2018.
"It was fun playing in high school, I played with a pretty good team," said Diamond. "Everyone was very skilled and athletic so it was easier."
The Chicago native also helped Simeon win a conference championship in 2019, the 2020 Chicago City Champion, 2020 Illinois State Champion and scored the game winning shot to help lock down a 2020 State Championship.
Diamond is not only a back to back champion but also a first generation college student, which can be a challenge, but giving up is something Diamond mentioned she just cannot do. "I'm not big on giving up, if I start something I feel like I need to finish it," said Diamond. "I'll be the first generation in my family to finish college, so I'm really putting on for myself and my family."
She also spoke on why she chose Georgia Southern, and of course family was her number one reason. "It is (Georgia Southern) family-oriented, I wanted to be comfortable while being far from home," Diamond says. "And I needed people around me that make me feel like I'm at home."
After graduation she plans to use her extra eligibility to return to her new found family at Georgia Southern.
Even though she'll be returning with the Eagles, Diamond shared some simple advice for her future teammates and new future Eagles. "When things get hard just keep going." Diamond shared.
Players Mentioned
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