Hayward, CA – Saint Mary’s College men’s basketball forward Diamon Simpson returned to his hometown this week to give an inspirational talk about the importance of attending college to the fifth and sixth graders at Bowman Elementary School in Hayward.

To View a Photo Gallery of the event, click here. 

The visit kicked off with the President of Bowman, Maria Rivera, introducing SMC Alumnus Chris Major.  Major heads up the Hayward Youth Academy (HYA) and has been very active with SMC, most recently organizing the HYA nights promotion, in which he has arranged to have three men’s basketball games labeled as “Diamon Simpson Nights”. 

On these three nights, the HYA will bring out 300 kids (per game) from Hayward to cheer on Diamon Simpson and the Gaels.  The kids will all have the opportunity to sit in the “Diamon Center” during the game and to meet Simpson after the game.  Prior to tip-off, a representative from the College’s Admissions and High Potential program will talk to the kids about what they need to do to get into college. 

Major said his piece, motivating the kids to work hard over the next few weeks, noting that the only students who apply themselves will be chosen to attend the games.

Simpson then took the stage and received a number of oohhh’s and aaahhh’s from the crowd (his height obviously overwhelming them).  Diamon talked a bit about his upbringing and some of his favorite Hayward hangout’s, before getting to the core of his talk. 

“Work hard in everything that you do”, said Simpson.  “College provides the opportunity to learn and improve yourself in so many different ways, that you simply can’t afford not to go.  If you work hard there is no reason why you can’t make it, just as I have”.

When asked what his most important goal is, Simpson replied, “Graduating in May and receiving my degree.  Of all my accomplishments, that will be the one I am most proud of.”

After talking with the kids, Diamon headed out front to take a group picture and sign some autographs.  After a number of requests, he headed to the playground to shoot some hoops with the kids.

For more information on the Hayward Youth Academy, please visit http://haywardyouthacademy.org/