You probably know her as the girl with the headband who could cross up anyone on the court. For years, the name "Skylar Diggins-Smith" was a fixture on WNBA jerseys and All-Star ballots. But lately, if you’ve been following the Seattle Storm or scrolling through sports news, you might’ve noticed something different. The "Smith" is gone.
Honestly, the shift from a high-profile sports power couple to a solo chapter has been a whirlwind. People always want to know the "why" behind celebrity breakups, especially when two people seemed as locked in as Skylar Diggins and Daniel Smith. They were the quintessential college sweethearts. Both Notre Dame legends. Both athletes who understood the grind.
But life isn’t a highlight reel.
The Notre Dame Roots
It all started in South Bend. Skylar was the face of the Fighting Irish women's basketball program, taking them to three straight Final Fours. Daniel Smith was a wide receiver on the football team. It’s the kind of story that feels scripted for a movie—the star point guard and the athletic wideout meeting on campus and building a life together.
They dated for ages before Daniel finally popped the question in 2016. He did it at one of his art exhibits, which is a detail most people miss. Daniel wasn't just a football player; he pivoted hard into the art and design world after an injury ended his football dreams. By the time they tied the knot at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago in 2017, they looked like the gold standard for athlete relationships.
Family, Fame, and the WNBA Grind
Between 2017 and 2024, the couple grew their family while Skylar continued her dominance in the league. They have two kids: a son, Rowen Seven, and a daughter, Ana Lia Irie.
Being a mother in the WNBA is a whole different beast. Skylar has been incredibly vocal about the lack of support for moms in professional sports. Remember when she played an entire season while pregnant and didn't tell anyone? Or the "fog" of postpartum depression she described after returning to the court just nine weeks after giving birth? Through most of that, Daniel was the one in the stands, the "support system" everyone pointed to.
But behind the scenes, things were shifting. In early 2025, the news finally broke: Skylar had filed for divorce.
Why the Skylar Diggins and Daniel Smith Split Shocked Fans
The filing happened in King County, Washington, shortly after Skylar joined the Seattle Storm. According to the court documents, the marriage was "irretrievably broken." That’s the legal term, but the emotional reality felt much heavier on social media.
Skylar didn't just file for divorce; she reclaimed her identity. During a press conference in April 2025, she told reporters point-blank to drop the "Smith" from her name.
"People have always called me whatever they want to call me anyway," she said. It was a mic-drop moment. It signaled that she wasn't just changing her jersey; she was reclaiming herself.
The "Strongest Soldier" Era
The 2025 season was a massive one for Skylar. She earned the AP Comeback Player of the Year award, averaging over 15 points and 6 assists per game. But off the court, she was venting. On Instagram, she mentioned that she had been doing everything "BY MYSELF" for over a year. She gave credit to her parents but notably left out any mention of her former partner.
It’s a stark reminder that even the most "perfect" public couples deal with the same messiness as everyone else. Daniel Smith, who had built a career with Doperman Studios, has largely stayed quiet during the transition, focusing on his art and business ventures while the world speculates.
What’s Next for Skylar?
As of 2026, Skylar is an unrestricted free agent. She’s 35, playing some of the best basketball of her career, and navigating life as a single mom of two. She’s also diving into the "Unrivaled" league—that new 3x3 league where players actually have ownership stakes.
Basically, she’s not just playing the game; she’s owning it.
The story of Skylar Diggins and Daniel Smith serves as a case study in the pressures of public life. It’s hard to keep a marriage together when one person is a global icon and the other is trying to carve out an identity in their shadow. Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to let go of the hyphen.
Actionable Insights for Following the Transition:
- Watch the Rosters: If you’re looking for her stats or jersey, search for "Skylar Diggins" only. Official WNBA channels and the Seattle Storm have fully transitioned the name.
- Support Mother-Athletes: Skylar’s journey highlights why childcare and postpartum support are huge talking points in the current WNBA CBA negotiations. Support organizations like the WNBPA that fight for these rights.
- Follow the Art: If you’re interested in Daniel’s side of things, look into Doperman Studios. He’s shifted his focus entirely to design and creative direction.
- Track the Unrivaled League: To see Skylar in a new light, watch the 3x3 Lunar Owls games. It’s a faster, more personal way to see her skill set without the traditional 5x5 noise.
