Diederich excited to join Neosho basketball program

Softball has always been a big part of Brooklyn Diederich’s life and she has spent many of her early years playing the sport she has grown to love.

However earlier this month, Diederich officially said goodbye to that love and moved on to a new chapter in her life. The Louisburg senior found a new avenue to achieve one of her life long dreams – to play sports at the next level.

In front of family and friends at Louisburg High School on Nov. 11, Diederich signed her letter of intent to play basketball and Neosho County Community College. She will suit up for the Chanute program next season.

I always thought I was going to play softball in college, but then I went down to visit Neosho for basketball and I absolutely just fell in love with the coach, the campus and all the players I met,” Diederich said. “They made it to where I knew I wanted to play basketball for at least two more years.

It was the coaches who struck a chord with Diederich, as they felt she would be a good addition to their program. Head coach JJ Davis, who is in his eighth season with the Panthers, convinced Diederich she would be the perfect fit.

“They were really welcoming,” Diederich said. “The head coach is a motivational speaker, so he is really super positive, which is what I really like. He is also not afraid to get on to you if he needs to. Those also do grade checks every day and want to make sure you are do well.

“Their program really likes to shoot the 3-pointer and that is one of the things that I specialize in, so I think it will be a great fit for me.”

Diederich had a successful season for the Lady Cats last season as she was named as an honorable mention all-league player and made on a difference on both sides of the floor.

She finished the season with an average of six points a game and a team-high 29 3-pointers, but she also led the Lady Cats on defense. She recorded a team-high 5.7 deflections and 1.7 steals a game.

Diederich’s love for basketball grew even more as she played with Pride basketball coach, Mario Washington, in the offseason.

“My competitive basketball coach, Mario Washington, he really impacted me a lot,” Diederich said. “He helped me get out my game film to a lot of area colleges and he was just a big help for me. I couldn’t be more thankful.”

Although the fit with Neosho was a good one for Diederich, it was a bittersweet moment for her to give up the love of her life – softball.

“I have always wanted to play a sport in college, and it has always been a dream of mine,” Diederich said. “Softball has been a main thing in my life, especially with my dad being my coach. Just knowing that I won’t be playing that any more, it is going to be really sad, but I am really happy with my decision.

“I just want to work hard 24-7 and focus on my grades. Just keep working as hard as you can and make sure I have some fun along the way.”