University of Tennessee Athletics
Legend's Message Speaks To DeShields
February 24, 2015 | Women's Basketball
By Josh Lively
UTSports.com
KNOXVILLE, Tenn.
-- As a transfer sitting out the season, sophomore Diamond DeShields could not travel with her team to the Lady Vols' matchup with South Carolina.But not being able to contribute on the court did not stop DeShields from learning valuable lessons on life and basketball on Monday night. As her team was facing the challenge in Columbia, DeShields represented her teammates in welcoming women's basketball legend Lisa Leslie to campus.
Leslie, a four-time Olympic gold medalist and three-time WNBA MVP, was the featured speaker at the 10th Annual Legends Lecture Series produced by the University of Tennessee's Black Cultural Programming Committee.
"Hopefully, I was able to inspire a lot of students," Leslie said about her opportunity to speak. "I think anytime I get a chance to share my story about growing up in the inner city and choosing to set short-term and long-term goals is good. Those were some of the major keys in helping me be successful."
In 2001, Leslie was the first WNBA player to ever be named the MVP of the regular season, All-Star game and league finals. She is the league's fifth leading scorer and top all-time rebounder.
With a list of accolades that could stretch for pages, Leslie offered her biggest advice to student athletes that helped guide her to a successful career.
"It's important to put your trust in God and know your goals in life," Leslie said. "You want to be organized. It's also important for student athletes to understand they are role models. They have to be aware of how the carry themselves. Their family name is on the back of their jersey, and they also represent their school and university. I think that is really important. The last thing is understanding when you have the opportunity to impact people's lives."
At the end of the program, DeShields presented Leslie with a basketball signed by the entire Tennessee women's basketball team.
"It was an awesome opportunity," DeShields said. "I never thought I would get to meet her this early in my life or even at all. I am just so blessed that our paths crossed. I am really thankful for getting to meet her."
DeShields, who has taken on leadership positions with several groups on campus during her redshirt year, took advantage of opportunity to spend time with Leslie during her visit to Rocky Top.
"I got to pick her brain with questions I had about pro life and her career path," DeShields said. "She is just a phenomenal person. I was so inspired by her today."
With the several hours spent with the WNBA pioneer, one thing vividly stuck out to DeShields that Leslie mentioned.
"She told me the only reason you can't do something is because you have told yourself you can't do it," DeShields said. "It has nothing to do with an inability. It's a choice you make. I really took that to heart. Everything I'm not doing isn't because I can't, but I simply won't. If I really want it, I will go out and get it. I really appreciated that."
