During Black History Month, App State Athletics is highlighting some of the accomplishments and perspectives of student-athletes who strive to make a difference.
Dior Conners, a native of Columbus, Ohio, is a junior guard for App State Men's Basketball. He is pursuing a degree in professional studies with minors in sociology and digital studies.
Conners has been a spark plug for App State since joining the team before this season, making 21 starts. He has tallied seven double-digit scoring games and currently sits second in the Sun Belt Conference in 3-point percentage. He is also the founder of Urgent Society, which is composed of like-minded people who make their life goals a priority and attack them head on.
Q: What does Black History Month mean to you?
Dior: Black History Month means everything to me. It marks the freedom of black people in America, so I would say it means everything to me.
Q: Who would you say your role model was growing up?
Dior: My role model growing up was Kyrie Irving. I've loved the way that he plays basketball ever since I was little, and I love the way that he carries himself on and off the court.
Q: Who would you consider a trailblazer for you here at App State?
Dior: Someone here that has helped pave the way for me is
Myles Tate. I think he shows a good example on and off the court. For him to be a black individual and showing black excellence on and off the court is special to me.
Q: What have you learned from him?
Dior: I've learned how to take care of myself on and off the court and how to level my mind from Myles. He keeps me level-headed in both aspects.
Q: What is your biggest inspiration regarding how you carry yourself?
Dior: A huge inspiration in my life is my father. He's taught me how to treat people with respect and to always put my best foot forward no matter what room I step in.
Q: How has your family influenced your athletic career?
Dior: My family has had a big impact on my career. They are my backbone, and they motivate me every day. Even though they're not here, I keep in contact with them. They are a big reason why I'm here today.
Q: What kind of impact do you hope to leave at App State?
Dior: I hope to leave a huge impact at App State. I hope that people remember the name
Dior Conners and that I came here to ultimately better the team and better myself.
