It was supposed to be the blueprint. You know the one—the college sweethearts, both elite athletes at Notre Dame, moving through the ranks of professional sports while building a family that looked, from the outside, like a total slam dunk. For years, Skylar Diggins and Daniel Smith were that couple. He was the former Irish wide receiver; she was the face of the WNBA, a point guard with a killer crossover and a "hyphenated" last name that became a brand in itself.
But things change. Honestly, they change fast. If you’ve been following the WNBA lately, you might have noticed the jerseys in Seattle look a little different. The "Smith" is gone. The hyphen is deleted. And while the public is just now catching up to the headlines, the reality of what went down between Skylar Diggins and Daniel Smith is a lot more complicated than a simple breakup.
The Notre Dame Roots
They met where most sports legends from South Bend do—on campus. Daniel Smith was a wide receiver for the Fighting Irish, a big, athletic presence who eventually pivoted to the art world after injuries cut his football dreams short. Skylar was, well, she was Skylar. She was the "Three to See." She was the player who brought Roc Nation to the WNBA.
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They got engaged in 2016 at an art gallery in Dallas, a nod to Daniel’s second act as an artist and entrepreneur with Doperman Studios. A year later, they tied the knot in a gorgeous, modern ceremony at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago. For a long time, Daniel was the "rock." When Skylar faced brutal criticism for sitting out the 2019 season after giving birth to their son, Rowen Seven, it was Daniel who stood by her. When she battled postpartum depression—a topic she’s been incredibly brave about—he was the one in her corner.
Why the Hyphen Disappeared
Fans started whispering in early 2025. It wasn't a sudden explosion; it was a slow fade. First, the social media posts stopped. Then came the press conference that set the internet on fire. Skylar, now playing for the Seattle Storm, looked the media in the eye and requested to be referred to simply as Skylar Diggins.
No Smith. No hyphen.
It was a professional rebrand that signaled a massive personal shift. In March 2025, she officially filed for divorce in King County, Washington. According to court documents, the marriage was "irretrievably broken." The separation actually dated back to November 2024, meaning she had been navigating an entire season of elite-level basketball while her personal life was essentially dismantling in the background.
"God’s Strongest Soldier" vs. The Custody Battle
Lately, the situation has turned from a quiet split to a very public back-and-forth. Skylar recently took to Instagram, describing herself as “God’s strongest soldier” and claiming she’s been doing everything by herself for over a year. She credited her parents for being her only help while she balances "paying the bills" and "being a present mother."
But there are two sides to every story, right? Daniel Smith hasn’t stayed silent. He fired back on social media, claiming he’s been litigating for custody since April 2025. He stated plainly that "separation from my babies has never been okay with me."
The couple has two children:
- Rowen Seven: Their son, born in 2019.
- Ana Lia Irie: Their daughter, born in 2023.
It’s messy. It’s heavy. It’s a reminder that even the people we see as "superhuman" on the court are dealing with the same "unknowns" and legal headaches as anyone else.
The Professional Pivot
Despite the turmoil, Skylar’s 2024 and 2025 seasons were nothing short of legendary. She earned the AP Comeback Player of the Year award after returning from a 20-month hiatus. Think about that for a second. Two kids, a crumbling marriage, a relocation to Seattle, and she still ranks in the top five for assists and steals.
She’s also leaning into her role as a businesswoman. Between her Puma deals, modeling for SKIMS, and her involvement in the Unrivaled 3x3 league, she’s building a legacy that doesn't depend on anyone else’s last name. She’s focused on the "Lunar Owls" and making sure her daughter grows up in a world where women's sports are respected.
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What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of people think the "Smith" was just a name. For Skylar, the hyphen represented a partnership that she brought into every arena she entered. Dropping it wasn't just about paperwork; it was about reclamation.
What you should know about the current status:
- The Divorce is Ongoing: As of early 2026, the legal proceedings regarding custody and assets are still in the works.
- No Spousal Support: Reports indicate neither party is seeking spousal support, but child-related expenses are a key part of the discussion.
- Career Focus: Skylar is staying in Seattle, citing that "the grass is greener" and she’s happy where she’s planted.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you’re following this story, the best thing you can do is respect the boundary between the athlete and the individual.
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- Support the Player: Focus on the stats. Skylar is playing some of the best basketball of her life. Watch the Storm games and appreciate the grit it takes to play at that level under this kind of stress.
- Normalize the Struggle: Skylar’s openness about postpartum depression and the "mom guilt" of being a pro athlete is a resource. If you're a parent struggling with balance, her interviews are a great place to find some solidarity.
- Watch for Unrivaled: Keep an eye on the new 3x3 league. It's a player-led movement that Skylar is heavily involved in, and it's the future of how these women control their own brands.
Ultimately, Skylar Diggins and Daniel Smith are a reminder that even the strongest foundations can shift. Life isn't a highlight reel. It’s the "unknowns" and the "battles" that happen when the cameras are off.
Next Steps to Stay Informed:
You can follow the WNBA's official transaction wire for any further updates on Skylar's professional status, or check the King County Superior Court public records if you're looking for official filings regarding the case resolution.