Diamond DeShields: A New Dawn in Connecticut

Diamond DeShields wants no sympathy.

She does not want your pity.

Instead, DeShields wants to become a player that people still expect to perform at the highest level. These are the traits why DeShields has stayed consistent as a player who defies expectations. As one of the most solid hoopers in the WNBA, DeShields has always impacted winning. From her explosive college days to her pivotal role in the Chicago Sky’s 2021 WNBA championship run, she’s proven time and again that she more than belongs.

DeShields feels that the expectations around her should be high, and she’s ready to meet them head-on.

“Regardless of what information a fan has about my story…I just want the fans to know that they’re allowed to have expectations of me…I really expect to be challenged this year, to set the standard of how we do things in Conn…no charity please,” she asserts.

This mentality is exactly what the Sun need as they look to remain contenders in a highly competitive league. DeShields’ ability to adapt and lead will be crucial as the team navigates the challenges of the season. Although the road has not been easy because of injuries, setbacks, and uncertainty, she has an unshakeable resilient confidence.

Now, with the Connecticut Sun, DeShields is ready to write a new chapter—one defined by growth, leadership, and redemption.

A JOURNEY OF EVOLUTION

The only thing that is constant in life is change.

For DeShields, the past half-decade has been a consistent change, and it hasn’t been a linear path. She experienced the highs of winning a championship and did it with the team that drafted her, the Chicago Sky. The same Sky franchise watched her turn into an All-Star. Now entering her last season in Chicago (1-year deal in 2024), she’s faced challenges that would have broken many players.

But for DeShields, every setback has been an opportunity to grow.

“I WAS IN A SEASON OF EVOLUTION OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS, FACING MY OWN DEFICITS AND OVERCOMING THEM PHYSICALLY, MENTALLY, SPIRITUALLY. I FEEL I’VE GROWN SO MUCH….I’VE LEARNED SO MUCH ABOUT CULTURE, COACHING, BEING A BETTER LEADER. I FEEL LIKE ALL THAT HAS COME TOGETHER TO FORM…I WELCOME CHANGE, IT’S THE MOST CONSISTENT THING ABOUT LIFE.” – DIAMOND DESHIELDS

Now continuing to evolve and grow, DeShields’ next chapter brings her to Connecticut. After losing key pieces in the offseason, such as Alyssa Thomas, DiJonai Carrington, DeWanna Bonner, and Brionna Jones, the Sun are betting on DeShields to step up and fill the void. Her game offensively will help the Sun as they go through their rebuild. She is a dynamic scoring threat, that brings defensive intensity, and veteran leadership. All of these traits are great for creating culture in the locker room.

A FRESH SYSTEM, A NEW OPPORTUNITY

On account of the many changes inside the organization, the Sun this offseason decided to hire head coach Rachid Meziane. The Sun are embracing a new system, and DeShields is expected to play a huge part in it.

“I’M EXCITED. IT’S VERY REFRESHING. I LOOK FORWARD TO GETTING THE ENTIRE TEAM TOGETHER AND GETTING ON THE COURT…I’M REALLY EXCITED WITH THE DISCUSSIONS I’VE HAD AND THE THINGS I’VE SEEN. I THINK IT’S GOING TO BE A LOT OF FUN,” – DIAMOND DESHIELDS

Meziane is also just as enthusiastic about DeShields’ potential playing for Connecticut. “She has all the qualities we are looking for in this position…I can’t wait to see her in action and contribute to our team success,” Meziane comments.

For DeShields, her signing in Connecticut is more than just a new team. This is an opportunity for her to redefine her game. Over the offseason, she’s been expanding her offensive skill set, particularly beyond the three-point line. “My entire career as a player, definitely working on expanding beyond the three-point line…As a defender, I want to be the best on both sides of the ball…having the best defensive assignment every night and delivering on that side. I want to be someone that an offensive player doesn’t want to deal with…just being a playmaker…making the hustle plays and giving championship effort,” she explains.

Additionally, what’s important to DeShields is the impact she will leave on the next generation. She’s coming to Connecticut to play, yes, but also to lead. Drawing from her own experiences when she was a younger player with veteran players who mentored her early in her career, she hopes to set an example for her new teammates.

“I WAS FORTUNATE, I’VE HAD SOME REALLY GOOD VETS EARLY IN MY CAREER WHO SET REALLY GOOD EXAMPLES FOR ME…COURTNEY VANDERSLOOT, ALLIE QUIGLEY, JANTEL LAVENDER…PLAYERS WHO REACHED THAT MOUNTAIN TOP…I HOPE TO BE SOMEONE YOUNGER PLAYERS CAN LOOK TO…I’VE REALLY WORKED ON MYSELF IN TERMS OF KNOWING WHAT I NEED AND I ALWAYS MAKE MYSELF AVAILABLE TO MY TEAMMATES, I HOPE THEY KNOW THAT…I WANT TO BE AS USEFUL AS POSSIBLE,” DESHIELDS SHARES.

Her focus on building a winning culture is very clear. “Being a part of each phase of establishing a championship culture has offered me a lot of wisdom…being a star of a team and falling down the ranks, and coming off the bench…not only being a champion has contributed to me as a leader but everything else…doing something that I’ve already done, and that’s creating a winning culture, a championship culture,” she explains.

This mindset is exactly what the Sun need. After going through a serious rebuild, losing some of the best players in the game, DiJonai Carrington, Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner, etc., they need veterans who will look to help mold their younger talent. They need veterans who will work hard and set the example. The Connecticut Sun are looking to change their locker room. DeShields’ ability to adapt and lead will be crucial as the team navigates what could be a very challenging season.

A NEW CHAPTER

For DeShields, her WNBA story is not over. This signing in Connecticut is only a new chapter. She now has the ability to rewrite her story entirely. After a rocky few years post-surgery, she’s ready to prove that she’s still can be one of the best players in the league.

“I’ve had a rocky past few years post-surgery. Things have not gone the way I have wanted them to in terms of stability on a team…I know I needed to come somewhere where I was going to be on the floor…I see this as a really big opportunity for me,” she says.

With her talent, determination, and leadership, Diamond DeShields is poised to make her mark in Connecticut. As she puts it, “These things don’t happen overnight but if you’re willing to put the work in and understand it takes the entire team to do it…that’s something I look forward to taking a part of…I just want to do what the team needs me to do in order for us to win.”

The Sun are betting on her, and DeShields is ready to shine.