Diggs Concludes Millennium Career Dominant In Two Sports

Jun 03, 2019

Name: Alaina Diggs

School: Millennium HS

PRs

Shot Put: 46-9.5 @ AIA Division II State Championship

Discus: 133-8 @ AIA Division II State Championship

Over the course of her career, Alaina Diggs racked up four State Titles for Millennium High School. Last year, Diggs clinched the State Title in the D1 Girls Shot Put competition at the State Meet. Then this past winter, she aided the Tigers to a team State Title on the basketball court as a power forward and center. In the spring, she changed her style from a glider to a rotational shot-putter and returned to Riggs Stadium this past month to claim two State-Titles in the Shot and the Discus.

Where are you from and when did you begin throwing?

I am from Goodyear Arizona and I began throwing my freshman year of high school.

What was your most memorable throw?

My most memorable throw would be my 4th throw of the 2018 State Championship series in Shot Put. I PR'd by almost 3 feet for me to get the win.

View this post on Instagram

:rocket::muscle:Week 4 as a rotational shot putter. Only 10 inches off the AZ state record and great series with 4 throws over 46' and D2 state title. (and proud coach). We made the decision to make the switch and it's a testament to @alaina.diggs athletic ability. (And the TCR:wink:). Alaina signed with @nauthrows and will continue with a great coach at the next level. Now that she's retired from basketball, can't wait to see what she will do at the next level. Congrats kid:punch:

A post shared by THROWING CHAIN REACTION:tm:️ (@aretethrowsnation) on May 5, 2019 at 1:20pm PDT

Did you listen to music before competing? If so what's on your playlist?

I do and my playlist consist of a lot of Drake, SOB X RBE, and Migos

Who would you consider your toughest competitor over your four years?

My toughest competitor & friend would've been Samantha Ponds

If you could do it all over again what would you change about your throwing career in high school?

I would definitely take it more seriously at the beginning of my career the same way I did towards the end.

What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?

Being a two-sport athlete and coming late into track season because of basketball was always hard. I had way less time to train than everyone else, so that forced me to work so much harder.

You are an incredible thrower but you also love basketball and were a part of the Millennium Girls' team that won the 5A State Title. How important to you was it to be a two-sport athlete?

It meant the most to me. It gave me balance and a lot of opportunity. When I was getting burnt on one sport, I was able to pull back a little and enjoy the other one and then come back to it. I was a big part of a team sport (basketball) and a big part of a team but more individual sport (track and field) as well. It was hard but I enjoyed it a lot.

What advice would you give to younger athletes?

Work hard and have fun with it, because before you know it, you'll be competing in your last high school meet wondering where all that time went.

What influence have your coaches (high school & club) had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?

I wouldn't be the thrower I am without that. They pushed me to be the best that I could possibly be.

What was the deciding factor that made you choose Northern Arizona University?

It came down to where did I feel I fit best, Coach Schutz made me feel wanted as an athlete, and he was really confident in the potential that I have to take my throwing to the next level.

Your future coach, Jason Schutz, has a lot of experience at the highest level as an athlete and a coach. What do you like about his coaching philosophy/style?

He focuses on the little details, makes sure everything is what it needs to be and then builds on that.

What interests you academically at NAU?

As of right now I am still very undecided, but psychology and human behavior has been piquing my interest recently.

Who would you like to thank for your success in high school?

I would of course love to thank my parents and everything they did for me and my coaches. Coach Rojeck (basketball), Jasmine, Mo, and especially Coach Erik Johnson for taking me under his wing this past year and a half it really means a lot.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

I think that's all