From Lady Get Shook to Minnesota Diamond Elite

Minnesota Diamond Elite was founded on a shared passion for developing young athletes through basketball. The program began as Lady Get Shook, with a dedicated group of coaches united by a common vision: to use basketball as a vehicle to teach life lessons, build confidence, and create opportunities for young women.

As the organization evolved, so did its vision. Lady Get Shook became Minnesota Diamond Elite, reflecting a renewed commitment to elite player development while remaining grounded in the values that have always defined the program.

Based in Richfield, Minnesota, Diamond Elite has impacted hundreds of student-athletes throughout the Twin Cities and beyond. Many alumni have continued their basketball careers at the collegiate level, while countless others have become successful students, professionals, and leaders in their communities.

Founded by Omar McMillan, Desmond Walker, Tiffany Begin, and Chaquaila "Qua" Gaten, the organization is guided by its four pillars — Player Development, Exposure, Investment, and Family — and its defining philosophy of #WeOverMe. Basketball is our platform, but developing exceptional people is our purpose

Our Mission

Minnesota Diamond Elite develops exceptional student-athletes through elite player development, meaningful exposure, intentional investment, and a family-centered culture rooted in #WeOverMe.

Our Four Pillars

Player Development

Player development is the foundation of everything we do. We are committed to helping athletes improve their basketball skills, basketball IQ, work ethic, confidence, and leadership abilities. Our coaches focus on teaching fundamentals, creating competitive learning environments, and helping players develop habits that lead to success both on and off the court.

Exposure

We create opportunities for players to compete against high-level competition and gain visibility with college coaches and recruiters. Exposure is not simply about being seen; it is about ensuring athletes are prepared when opportunities arise through strong academics, skill development, character, and performance.

Family

We believe success is built through strong relationships. Diamond Elite strives to create a family atmosphere where players, coaches, parents, and supporters work together to help each athlete thrive. We celebrate achievements, navigate challenges together, and foster a culture of trust, accountability, and belonging.

Investment

We invest in the whole athlete. Our coaches and leadership are committed to mentoring players, encouraging academic excellence, supporting personal growth, and helping athletes build life skills that extend far beyond basketball. We believe every player deserves coaches who are genuinely invested in her future.

Board of Directors

The Minnesota Diamond Elite Board of Directors provides strategic leadership and governance while ensuring the organization remains committed to its mission of developing student-athletes on and off the court.

  • Omar McMillan

    Chair

    Omar McMillan is the founder and visionary behind Minnesota Diamond Elite. With more than 25 years of coaching experience at the youth, high school, and collegiate levels, he has built a reputation as one of Minnesota's most respected basketball educators. Omar has coached state championship teams, served as an assistant coach on a national championship junior college program, and led Richfield High School to back-to-back section championships while earning Minnesota AAA State Coach of the Year honors. Beyond coaching, he is an award-winning educator and community leader whose passion is helping young people grow as athletes, students, and leaders.

  • Desmond Walker

    Vice Chair

    Desmond Walker is a founding member of Minnesota Diamond Elite and has dedicated more than two decades to coaching and mentoring young athletes. His experience spans AAU, youth, and high school basketball, where he is known for emphasizing discipline, accountability, and player development. Desmond believes the greatest victories happen beyond the scoreboard and is committed to helping athletes build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills that prepare them for success in life.

  • Tiffany Begin

    Treasurer

    Tiffany Begin is a founding member of Minnesota Diamond Elite and serves as Treasurer. She has been instrumental in building the organization's culture while supporting players and families throughout every season. Tiffany is passionate about creating an environment where athletes feel supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow. Her leadership helps ensure the program remains focused on its mission while providing a positive experience for every family.

  • Kimberly Spates

    Secretary

    Kimberly Spates serves as Secretary of the Board and provides strategic leadership to help guide the organization's continued growth and long-term sustainability. She brings extensive executive leadership experience in nonprofit healthcare and community engagement, along with a passion for youth development and servant leadership. Kimberly is committed to strengthening organizational excellence while helping create opportunities for student-athletes to succeed in basketball, academics, leadership, and life.

  • Chaquaila "Qua" Gaten

    Director of Player Development

    Chaquaila "Qua" Gaten is a founding member of Minnesota Diamond Elite and leads the organization's player development initiatives. She is passionate about teaching the fundamentals of the game while helping athletes build confidence, accountability, and leadership. Qua believes every player deserves individualized attention and mentorship, and she works to ensure each athlete is challenged, supported, and prepared to reach the next level both on and off the court.

Our Leadership Philosophy

The leadership of Minnesota Diamond Elite shares one common belief: basketball is the vehicle; developing exceptional people is the mission. Every decision we make is guided by our four pillars — Player Development, Exposure, Investment, and Family — and our culture of #WeOverMe. Our goal is not simply to help athletes earn college opportunities, but to prepare them to become confident students, compassionate leaders, and successful adults who make a positive impact wherever life takes them.