Meet the Man Behind Skylar Diggins-Smith: Daniel Smith, Her Husband and Biggest Supporter
Hello, sports enthusiasts and WNBA fans! Today, we're going to dive into the life of one of the league's brightest stars, Skylar Diggins-Smith, and introduce you to the man who's been cheering her on from the sidelines – her husband, Daniel Smith. So, grab a snack, get comfortable, and let's get to know the power couple a little better! Guys, explore more in Relationships and skylar diggins husband.
From Notre Dame to the WNBA: Skylar Diggins-Smith's Rise to Stardom
Before we delve into Skylar's love life, let's quickly recap her incredible basketball journey. Skylar Diggins-Smith was born on August 24, 1990, in South Bend, Indiana. She played college basketball for the University of Notre Dame, where she became a four-time All-American and led her team to two consecutive Final Fours. In 2013, the Tulsa Shock (now the Dallas Wings) drafted her third overall in the WNBA draft.
Since then, Skylar has become a force to be reckoned with in the league. She's a three-time WNBA All-Star, a two-time All-WNBA First Team selection, and was named the WNBA's Most Improved Player in 2014. Oh, and did we mention she's also a two-time Olympic gold medalist? Yeah, she's pretty amazing!
Daniel Smith: The Man Who Stole Skylar's Heart
Now that you're up to speed on Skylar's incredible career, let's talk about the man who's been by her side through it all – Daniel Smith. Daniel, a former college basketball player himself, hails from South Bend, Indiana, just like Skylar. The couple first met in 2014 when Skylar was playing for the Tulsa Shock, and Daniel was working in sales for a tech company.
Despite their shared love for basketball, it wasn't until a chance encounter at a local gym that their relationship truly blossomed. "I saw her working out, and I was like, 'Wow, that's Skylar Diggins!'" Daniel recalled in an interview with GQ. "So, I went over and introduced myself, and we just started talking. The rest is history."
A Match Made in Basketball Heaven
As their relationship grew, so did their support for one another. Daniel has been a constant presence at Skylar's games, cheering her on from the sidelines and even giving her a pep talk or two during timeouts. In return, Skylar has been an avid supporter of Daniel's career as well. When he was playing professional basketball in Israel, she would fly out to watch his games whenever she could.
Their shared passion for basketball has not only strengthened their bond but also made them an unstoppable force both on and off the court. As Skylar told ESPN, "We just have this crazy connection, and it's not just about basketball. It's about our values, our morals, our goals, and our dreams. We're just on the same page."
Tying the Knot: Skylar and Daniel's Fairytale Wedding
After years of dating, Skylar and Daniel finally tied the knot on May 15, 2017, in a beautiful ceremony in West Bend, Wisconsin. The couple exchanged vows in front of their closest family and friends, with Skylar's Notre Dame coach, Muffet McGraw, even making an appearance.
The wedding was a true celebration of their love and shared passion for basketball. The couple incorporated various basketball-themed details into their special day, including custom sneakers for the wedding party and a court-side photo shoot. Skylar even wore a pair of custom Jordan sneakers with her wedding dress!
Welcome, Baby Smith-Diggins: The Couple's Growing Family
In 2018, Skylar and Daniel welcomed their first child, a baby boy named RJ Diggins-Smith. The couple announced the happy news on social media, with Skylar sharing a heartwarming photo of her and Daniel cradling their newborn son. Since then, the family has been growing and thriving, with Skylar continuing to dominate the WNBA and Daniel supporting her every step of the way.
In 2021, the couple welcomed their second child, a daughter named Rae Diggins-Smith. The birth of their daughter was a particularly special moment for Skylar, who had previously suffered a miscarriage. She opened up about the experience on her podcast, "Fair Game," saying, "This pregnancy has been such a blessing, and I'm just so grateful to have another little one to love and to be loved by."
Skylar Diggins-Smith: A Force On and Off the Court
While Skylar's basketball career has been nothing short of incredible, she's also making waves off the court as an advocate for women's rights and a trailblazer for female athletes. In 2020, she became the first female athlete to grace the cover of ESPN The Magazine's "Body Issue," and she's been using her platform to speak out about issues like equal pay and the importance of representation in sports.
Skylar has also been open about her struggles with mental health, particularly her experience with postpartum depression after the birth of her first child. By sharing her story, she hopes to help break the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage other women to seek help when they need it.
Daniel Smith: More Than Just a Husband and Father
While Daniel may be best known for being married to Skylar Diggins-Smith, he's also an accomplished businessman and philanthropist in his own right. After retiring from professional basketball, Daniel founded ProHuddle, a digital platform that connects college basketball players with professional opportunities.
In addition to his work with ProHuddle, Daniel is also passionate about giving back to his community. He has worked with various organizations, including the Special Olympics and the YMCA, to help provide opportunities for young people to participate in sports and develop important life skills.
The Power of Love and Support: Skylar and Daniel's Secret Weapon
As we've seen, Skylar Diggins-Smith and Daniel Smith are not just a power couple – they're a force to be reckoned with. Their shared passion for basketball, unwavering support for one another, and commitment to giving back have made them an unstoppable duo both on and off the court.
So, the next time you're watching Skylar dominate the WNBA or cheering her on from your couch, remember that there's a dedicated and loving husband and father behind her every step of the way. And who knows? Maybe one day, we'll see their children following in their parents' footsteps and making their own mark on the world of sports.
Stay Tuned for More Updates on Skylar Diggins-Smith and Daniel Smith
Well, folks, that's all we've got for you today! We hope you've enjoyed learning more about Skylar Diggins-Smith and her husband, Daniel Smith. Be sure to check back soon for more updates on the couple and their incredible journey together.
And, of course, if you're a fan of Skylar's basketball career, you won't want to miss her upcoming games with the Dallas Wings. So, mark your calendars, grab your jerseys, and get ready to cheer on one of the WNBA's brightest stars!