Seattle Storm guard Skylar Diggins enjoyed another standout season in the WNBA. At 35 years old, she earned her seventh All-Star Game selection and started all 43 games for the Storm, averaging 15.5 points, 6.0 assists, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. Despite her professional success, her personal life faced challenges.
Last March, Diggins filed for divorce from her husband, former Notre Dame wide receiver Daniel Smith. Throughout the entire 2025 WNBA season, she managed to balance her demanding role as the Storm’s All-Star point guard with being a full-time mother to their two children.
Recently, Diggins shared on her Instagram Stories her feelings of relief after enduring a tough year. She wrote, “I’ve been doing everything with MYSLF for over a year,” adding, “It’s just me and the babies (and I need mom/dad’s help.) That’s it!”
Diggins met Smith while both were student-athletes at Notre Dame; she played women’s basketball, and he was a wide receiver on the men’s football team. They dated during college, got engaged in 2016, and married in Chicago in 2017. They have two children together: son Rowen Seven, born in 2019, and daughter Anna Lia Illy, born in 2023.
The couple separated in November 2024, but Diggins didn’t file for divorce until four months later. While the reasons for their split remain private, reports indicate the marriage is “irreparably broken.” According to the divorce papers, Smith was expected to contribute financially to child care, education, and future schooling expenses, but Diggins claims he has not fulfilled these obligations. She expressed her struggle with juggling work, parenting, and financial responsibilities, calling herself “God’s Strongest Warrior 2025.”
Meanwhile, Smith revealed on Instagram that he is currently fighting in court for custody of their children. He shared a heartfelt message about his last interaction with his kids and his ongoing legal efforts, stating he has been working on custody matters since April 2025, with resolution expected no earlier than June 2025.
In related news, former WNBA star Angel McCoughtry recently criticized Brooklyn Nets’ Michael Porter Jr. for underestimating the difficulty of becoming a star in the WNBA. She highlighted that many female players are also full-time mothers, making the challenge even greater—something Diggins knows all too well given her recent experiences.
Fan Take: This deeply personal story shines a light on the resilience and dedication of WNBA players who manage both professional careers and family challenges simultaneously. It underscores the importance of recognizing and supporting women athletes not just for their on-court talents but also for their off-court battles, which can enrich the sport’s narrative and inspire longer-term engagement from fans.
