Honoring the 2020 Diamond Darlings

Jun 04, 2020 | Baseball

By: Thomas Dick, Texas A&M Athletics Communications

Like the Aggie Baseball squad they work effortlessly to support year-round, the Diamond Darlings had their 2020 campaign cut short just 18 games into the season. The following is an opportunity to honor the Diamond Darlings.

“We are so truly thankful for the many years of service that the Diamond Darlings have given Aggie Baseball,” Texas A&M head coach Rob Childress said. “The Diamond Darlings have set the bar for how a college baseball support group should function. They do so many things for the baseball program through their efforts, both at Blue Bell Park on gameday, and behind the scenes throughout the year when they are lending a hand at practices and fund-raising events.”

Diamond Darlings is the oldest women-led organization on campus at Texas A&M. Founded in 1972, the Diamond Darlings serve both the Texas A&M Baseball program and the surrounding Bryan/College Station community. Through all their efforts, the goal is to embrace Olsen Magic and support Aggie Baseball in Blue Bell Park and out.

In 1972, Willowdean Chandler, wife of former Texas A&M head coach Tom Chandler, created the Diamond Darlings with the goal of supporting Aggie Baseball. From that moment, the Diamond Darlings became the first organization led by women at Texas A&M.

Every Diamond Darling works every single home game with duties ranging from selling programs to assisting with on-field activities; from serving as batgirls to providing assistance to visitors at the stadium. Outside of game day, the Diamond Darlings work to promote Aggie Baseball on campus and in the community as well as assisting at practices and working Aggie Baseball charity events.

Rylee ‘23

Hometown: Houston, Texas

Major: Engineering

Favorite Aggie Baseball Memory: The Bubbles

Why I love being a Diamond Darling: The kiddos/fans

Becca ‘20

Hometown: Castroville, Texas

Major: Psychology

Favorite Aggie Baseball Memory: Going to the SEC Tournament every year was the best. I looked forward to the games, the road trip and having fun with my friends!

Why I love being a Diamond Darling: I love the sense of community there was being a Diamond Darling! I met so many great people and shared a bond with those who love baseball just like I do!

Ashleigh ‘21

Hometown: Southlake, Texas

Major: Communication

Favorite Aggie Baseball Memory: My favorite Aggie Baseball memory would be working the guest dugout with Sam for the Miami Ohio series.

Why I love being a Diamond Darling: Being a Diamond Darling allowed me to experience baseball in a whole new way.

Mackenzie ‘21

Hometown: Cypress, Texas

Major: Nursing

Favorite Aggie Baseball Memory: Going to Hoover in 2019

Why I love being a Diamond Darling: The bond that we develop throughout the season.

Ashton ‘21

Hometown: Bryan, Texas

Major: Communication

Favorite Aggie Baseball Memory: The Olsen Magic is my favorite thing about Aggie Baseball. The loyal fans, the countless kids eager to meet their role models, the bubbles that fill the air when the Aggies score and the sausage wraps that I devoured each time I stepped in the ballpark. Moments like these keep me wanting more and more each season and truly has been the main reason I am proud to be an Aggie.

Why I love being a Diamond Darling: My favorite thing about Diamond Darlings is knowing that after college I won’t only be leaving with an Aggie ring… but with friendships that will last a lifetime.

Hannah ‘21

Hometown: Bryan, Texas

Major: Education

Favorite Aggie Baseball Memory: My favorite Aggie Baseball memory is definitely Anthem Buddies. Seeing the excitement in both the kids’ and parents’ faces as they run onto the field and interact with the players always brings the biggest smile to my face. It reminds me that all the work we put into each game is worth it – because so many families create special memories at Olsen Field.

Why I love being a Diamond Darling: I love being a Diamond Darling because I get to be a part of Aggie athletics while being surrounded by girls that I will be friends with forever. I get the opportunity to meet so many Aggie fans that share my love for baseball and all Aggie sports.

McKenna ‘22

Hometown: Cypress, Texas

Major: Community Health

Favorite Aggie Baseball Memory: My favorite memory has been the 2019 SEC Tournament in Hoover and the opportunity to go there and cheer on the Aggies while making memories together as an organization!

Why I love being a Diamond Darling: I love being a Diamond Darling because I get to be a part of a special group of women who support one another while also serving the Aggie Baseball community in every way that we can. The friendships and experiences that have come from being a part of Diamond Darlings are indescribable and something I will always cherish!

Audri ‘21

Hometown: Pearland, Texas

Major: Human Resource Development

Favorite Aggie Baseball Memory: Spending Sundays at Olsen.

Why I love being a Diamond Darling: I love to represent Aggie athletics and I absolutely love these girls!!

Kate ‘23

Hometown: Hankamer, Texas

Major: Forensic Science

Favorite Aggie Baseball Memory: Traveling to Frisco this year to watch the tournament.

Why I love being a Diamond Darling: I love being a Diamond Darling because you are able to meet these amazing girls and form lifelong friendships whit them while also enjoying your favorite sport.

Samantha ‘21

Hometown: Ennis, Texas

Major: Finance

Favorite Aggie Baseball Memory: Every time I worked PR and got to take the kids to the field for the National Anthem. There was always pure happiness and joy in their eyes with so much excitement.

Why I love being a Diamond Darling: I love being able to contribute to a fan’s experience at Olsen Field whether it’s their first game or 100th.

Kortlyn

Hometown: Tyler, Texas

Major: Psychology

Favorite Aggie Baseball Memory: My favorite memory is when we all traveled to Austin for the TU game last spring! It was so fun getting to be in such an exciting environment cheering on the Aggies during the best rivalry game! It was also fun to get to explore Austin during the day with the girls and really have that sisterhood time to get to know each other outside of College Station!

Why I love being a Diamond Darling:Diamond Darlings is something I’ve wanted to do since I was a little girl. Getting to be a Diamond Darling meant, for me, getting to be that girl that little girl Kortlyn always looked up to. I love the fans and my heart is so big for this University and the game of baseball. I am always happiest when I’m in uniform getting to do what I love.

Alex ‘20

Hometown: Hempstead, Texas

Major: Communication

Favorite Aggie Baseball Memory: I can without a doubt say that I have cherished every moment as a part of the Diamond Darlings. If I had to pick one to highlight I would choose traveling with the team to Austin last year when we BTHOtu!

Why I love being a Diamond Darling:Diamond Darlings not only provided me with the opportunity to develop professionally and support Aggie Baseball, but it gave me lifelong friendships. I love being a part of this organization because of our tight-knit community that shares a common goal of loving Aggie Baseball!

Ashlyn ‘19

Hometown: Spring, Texas

Major: Civil Engineering

Favorite Aggie Baseball Memory: Working the dugout in Minute Maid Park at the Shriners College Classic.

Why I love being a Diamond Darling: I got to meet my best friends and make memories at Olsen Field that I will cherish forever.

Reagan ‘ 21

Hometown: The Woodlands, Texas

Major: Public Health

Favorite Aggie Baseball Memory: My favorite memory from an Aggie Baseball game is when I’m able to take the younger fans out onto the field for the National Anthem. Watching them get so excited to stand next to a player is so special and really embodies what baseball is all about! It’s about bringing a community together no matter your age or where you came from. We are all there for the love of baseball!

Why I love being a Diamond Darling: I love being a Diamond Darling because it gives me an opportunity to spread the Aggie Spirit through my love for baseball. Baseball has a special way of bringing people together no matter where they come from. Having the opportunity to partake in that is something that I will always cherish.

Hannah ‘23

Hometown: Bay City, Texas

Major: History

Favorite Aggie Baseball Memory: My favorite Aggie Baseball memory was my first game. I had never been to a game before becoming a Diamond Darling and it was an amazing experience. Olsen Magic is real!

Why I love being a Diamond Darling: I love being a Diamond Darling because I am given the chance to meet lifelong friends and I am able to connect with diehard Aggie Baseball fans.

Lexy ‘21

Hometown: Cypress, Texas

Major: Interdisciplinary Studies (Education)

Favorite Aggie Baseball Memory: Working PR! I loved interacting with the fans and especially the student section. Anthem Buddies; throwing shirts, Tiff’s Treats and Takis; base changes and everything else was so much fun!

Why I love being a Diamond Darling: I made last friendships with girls who joined the same time I did. I loved getting to communicate with Aggie Baseball fans every game and spending time with the Diamond Darlings team every game.

Delaney ‘22

Hometown: Elgin, Texas

Major: Communication

Favorite Aggie Baseball Memory: My favorite Aggie Baseball memory as a Diamond Darling is attending the A&M vs. TU game in Austin last year and getting to see the Ags win!

Why I love being a Diamond Darling: I love being a Diamond Darling for the lifelong friendships I have made as well as the opportunity to serve my University and the community of College Station.

Ellie ‘21

Hometown: Plano, Texas

Major: Allied Health

Favorite Aggie Baseball Memory: I love so many things about Olsen. One of my favorite memories I will never forget was when my brother pitched for Davidson against A&M to try and go to the College World Series the summer before I was coming to A&M. The “Olsen Magic” and all the chants, happy people and good baseball are what made me so excited to be an Aggie.

Why I love being a Diamond Darling: The friendships I have made in this organization are like nothing I have found anywhere else. These girls will be my forever friends and they push me to be the best version of myself. I also love being able to give back to A&M by serving Olsen Field. Baseball has always been a huge part of my life and so has A&M, so this is just a little something I can do to give back.

Nadia ‘23

Hometown: Arlington, Texas

Major: Business

Favorite Aggie Baseball Memory: Retreat

Why I love being a Diamond Darling: I love being a Diamond Darling because not only have I met amazing girls and made great friends, but I get to contribute to the Aggie community while enjoying America’s pastime.

Katie ‘21

Hometown: Columbus, Texas

Major: Nutrition

Favorite Aggie Baseball Memory: My favorite memory was when I was a freshman and I attended my first Aggie Baseball game. I had never been to one before and it was one of my most favorite experiences!

Why I love being a Diamond Darling: I love Diamond Darlings because I get to be involved in an organization with not only amazing people, but also with a sport I love! The whole Aggie Baseball atmosphere gets me excited every time I go get to go back to Blue Bell Park.