Seattle Storm guard and Olympic gold medalist Skylar Diggins is facing one of her life's toughest challenges head-on, both on and off the basketball court. The six-time WNBA All-Star has publicly shared the immense difficulties of navigating a high-profile divorce while raising her two young children and maintaining her elite sporting career.
The Personal Struggle Behind the Public Figure
Diggins recently took to Instagram to offer a raw and honest glimpse into her personal turmoil. She revealed she has been managing everything by herself for over a year, with only the support of her parents. Skylar Diggins filed for divorce from her husband, Daniel Smith, in March 2025, though their separation reportedly began earlier, in November 2024. Court documents have declared the marriage "irretrievably broken."
In her emotional social media post, Diggins wrote, "Been doing everything BY MYSLF (sic) for over a year now. Just me and my babies (and the help of my mom/dad.) THAT'S IT!" She further expressed the weight of her responsibilities, stating she is "Working, paying the bills, being a present mother and battling through a lot of unknowns..."
Who is Daniel Smith?
Daniel Smith, born on July 16, 1991, in South Bend, Indiana, is a former Notre Dame wide receiver whose football career was cut short by injury. Post-sports, he successfully transitioned into the world of art and entrepreneurship. Smith is the founder of Doperman Studios, based in Dallas, Texas, a creative hub that showcases his artwork and clothing brand designs.
Amid the divorce proceedings, Smith has also spoken about the situation, emphasizing his desire to remain an active father. He recently shared, "Luckily, I’m a big guy and I’ll be able to hold my babies for a long time," indicating his commitment to their children.
Custody Arrangements and Family Focus
The central focus for both Diggins and Smith remains the well-being of their two children. The couple shares a son, Rowen Seven Smith, and a daughter, Ana Lia Irie Smith. They are currently in the process of formalizing custody arrangements. Reports suggest Smith is actively seeking substantial time with the kids as they work through the legal process.
It is notable that the divorce involves no prenuptial agreement and no requirement for spousal support, simplifying some financial aspects but placing the emphasis squarely on co-parenting plans. The couple had married in April 2017.
Balancing Professional Pressure and Personal Pain
For Skylar Diggins, this deeply personal chapter unfolds under the intense spotlight of her professional life as a top WNBA athlete. Fans have poured out support for the star as she manages this personal crisis. The challenge of balancing the demands of motherhood with the rigors of professional sports is one she has openly discussed before, but it is now magnified by the circumstances of the divorce.
As the next WNBA season approaches with high anticipation for her performance with the Seattle Storm, Diggins must find a way to compartmentalize her personal struggles to focus on the court. Her recent statements highlight the resilience required to be, as she put it, "God's strongest soldier 2025."
The situation underscores the universal challenges of separation and co-parenting, even for celebrated athletes. The journey of Skylar Diggins and Daniel Smith serves as a poignant reminder of the personal battles often fought away from the public arena, with their shared priority firmly fixed on the future of their children.
