SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- A Fighting Irish women's basketball veteran is returning to the team in a new role.

The university announced that Skylar Diggins will serve as a "special advisor" to coach Niele Ivey. According to a statement, Diggins will advise coaching staff, as well as "serve as an off-the-floor mentor to student-athletes focusing on leadership, personal development and brand building."

"We are honored to welcome Skylar Diggins as our Special Advisor to the Head Coach!” Ivey said. “This is truly a legendary addition. In this new role, Skylar will help elevate our program through her leadership, expertise and unique perspective as both a former student-athlete and accomplished professional.

The team's season officially kicks off November 1 in Rome against Villanova. You can read the schedule here.