Friends of Basketball

Dr. Diane Hillard-Sembell

Year Inducted: 2024

Category: Friends of Basketball

Schools / Organizations:
Springfield Area Schools and Athletes

Biography:

Diane was a three-sport standout at Alexis High School from 1974-78. She then attended Northern Illinois University and was named NIU’s Sportswoman of the Year in 1982. She also was the Huskie’s Mid-American Conference Scholar-Athlete Award recipient.

Diane helped NIU win the AIAW state title in 1982 and participate in the Midwest Regional. She earned four letters in basketball, two in track and two in volleyball.

She went on to be an orthopedic surgeon in the Springfield area.  In this role, she has treated and benefitted dozens of athletes in Central Illinois.  She has been a leading physician for helping the young athletes in that area.