Who Is Skylar Diggins?

Skylar Diggins is an American professional basketball player who has become one of the most recognizable names in women’s basketball. Born and raised in South Bend, Indiana, she gained national attention as a high school basketball phenom before starring at the University of Notre Dame.
After an outstanding college career, she entered the 2013 WNBA Draft and was selected third overall. Since then, she has become one of the league’s most accomplished guards and a respected veteran leader.
Diggins is widely respected for:
- Elite ball-handling
- Scoring ability
- Court vision
- Defensive intensity
- Leadership qualities
- Advocacy for women’s sports
Skylar Diggins Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Skylar Kierra Diggins |
| Birth Date | August 2, 1990 |
| Age | 35 years old (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | South Bend, Indiana |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Weight | 140 lbs |
| Position | Guard |
| College | Notre Dame |
| Draft | 2013, Round 1, Pick 3 |
| WNBA Experience | 11+ Seasons |
How Old Is Skylar Diggins?
Skylar Diggins was born on August 2, 1990, making her 35 years old in 2026. Despite being in her mid-30s, she continues to perform at an elite level and remains one of the most productive guards in professional basketball.
Her longevity is particularly impressive considering the physical demands of the WNBA and the fact that she has successfully returned to elite competition after becoming a mother.
Skylar Diggins Height
One of the most searched questions about Diggins is her height.
Skylar Diggins stands 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters) tall and weighs approximately 140 pounds.
While not exceptionally tall by professional basketball standards, she compensates with:
- Explosive quickness
- Strong athleticism
- Exceptional body control
- High basketball IQ
- Elite conditioning
Her combination of speed and skill has made her one of the toughest guards to defend throughout her career.
Skylar Diggins Stats
Throughout her WNBA career, Diggins has consistently produced elite numbers.
Career WNBA Averages
| Stat | Average |
|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 16.3–16.4 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 2.9 |
| Assists Per Game | 5.3 |
| Steals Per Game | 1.3+ |
These numbers place her among the most productive guards of her generation.
2024 Season Performance
During the 2024 season with the Seattle Storm, Diggins posted impressive numbers:
- 15.1 points per game
- 6.4 assists per game
- 2.6 rebounds per game
- 1.7 steals per game
- 0.9 blocks per game
She also earned AP Comeback Player of the Year honors after returning to top form.
The season reinforced her reputation as one of the WNBA’s premier floor generals.
Career Achievements
Skylar Diggins’ résumé is loaded with accomplishments.
Major Career Honors
- Seven-time WNBA All-Star
- Multiple All-WNBA selections
- Four-time All-WNBA First Team
- Olympic Gold Medalist
- WNBA Most Improved Player
- AP Comeback Player of the Year
- WNBA All-Rookie Team selection
Few guards in league history can match her combination of scoring, playmaking, and longevity.
Skylar Diggins at Notre Dame
Before becoming a professional star, Diggins built her reputation at Notre Dame.
She led the Fighting Irish to multiple NCAA Tournament runs and became one of the most celebrated players in school history.
Her college career featured:
- Multiple All-American selections
- Deep NCAA Tournament appearances
- National Player of the Year consideration
- Record-breaking performances
Notre Dame became a national powerhouse during her tenure.
Her success there helped pave the way for a seamless transition to the WNBA.
Why Is She Sometimes Called Skylar Diggins-Smith?
Many fans still search for “Skylar Diggins Smith.”
For several years, she competed under the name Skylar Diggins-Smith following her marriage to Daniel Smith.
However, in recent years she has returned to using “Skylar Diggins” professionally after filing for divorce and removing “Smith” from her public basketball identity.
As a result, fans may see references to both names depending on the year or source.
Skylar Diggins Husband
For many years, Skylar Diggins was married to Daniel Smith, a former football player at Notre Dame.
The couple met while attending college and developed a long-term relationship before eventually marrying in 2017.
Daniel Smith originally pursued football but later transitioned into the art world after injuries impacted his athletic career.
The relationship often attracted media attention because both individuals were standout student-athletes at Notre Dame.
Are Skylar Diggins and Daniel Smith Still Married?
No.
Reports indicate that Skylar Diggins filed for divorce after approximately eight years of marriage. Court filings stated that the marriage had broken down irretrievably.
Following the filing, Diggins publicly moved away from using the surname “Smith” and returned to competing under her maiden name.
The development generated significant media coverage because the couple had long been viewed as one of sports’ high-profile marriages.
Skylar Diggins Kids
One of the most inspiring aspects of Diggins’ story is her journey as a professional athlete and mother.
Skylar Diggins has two children:
- Son – Rowen Seven Smith
- Daughter – Ana Lia Irie Smith
Her son was born in 2019, while her daughter was born in 2023.
Motherhood and Professional Basketball
Diggins has been outspoken about the challenges faced by professional athletes who become mothers.
She has discussed:
- Pregnancy during a professional career
- Postpartum recovery
- Mental health struggles
- The need for better maternity support in sports
Her advocacy helped push conversations around maternal protections for athletes. Many observers credit her influence in helping create stronger support systems for WNBA mothers.
Skylar Diggins and the “Skylar Clause”
One of Diggins’ most important contributions extends beyond basketball.
She became a leading voice advocating for pregnant athletes and working mothers in professional sports.
According to reports, reforms supporting maternity benefits and player protections became informally associated with a “Skylar Clause” because of her advocacy efforts.
Her work has made a lasting impact on future generations of female athletes.
Recent Career Developments
After spending time with the Seattle Storm, Diggins entered free agency and signed with the Chicago Sky ahead of the 2026 season. Reports described the move as a major acquisition for Chicago as the franchise sought veteran leadership and elite playmaking.
Even in her mid-30s, she remains one of the league’s most respected guards.
Her career averages entering the 2026 season included:
- 16.4 points
- 5.3 assists
- 2.9 rebounds
Those numbers rank among the best for active WNBA guards.
Legacy and Impact
Skylar Diggins’ impact on women’s basketball extends far beyond statistics.
She has become a role model for:
- Young athletes
- Working mothers
- Women’s sports advocates
- Future WNBA stars
Her willingness to discuss difficult topics such as postpartum depression, work-life balance, and athlete rights has made her one of the most influential voices in professional sports.
Whether through her elite play on the court or her advocacy off it, Diggins continues to shape the future of women’s basketball.
Conclusion
Skylar Diggins remains one of the most accomplished and respected players in WNBA history. At 35 years old, the former Notre Dame star continues to perform at a high level while balancing motherhood and a leadership role within the sport.
Standing 5-foot-9 and armed with elite scoring and playmaking abilities, Diggins has accumulated career averages of over 16 points and 5 assists per game while earning multiple All-Star and All-WNBA selections. Her journey from South Bend basketball prodigy to global sports icon is a testament to her resilience, talent, and determination.
As her career continues, Skylar Diggins’ influence on basketball and women’s sports will undoubtedly remain significant for years to come.
FAQs
How old is Skylar Diggins?
Skylar Diggins was born on August 2, 1990, making her 35 years old in 2026.
How tall is Skylar Diggins?
She is 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters) tall.
Does Skylar Diggins have kids?
Yes. She has two children: a son, Rowen Seven Smith, and a daughter, Ana Lia Irie Smith.
Who was Skylar Diggins’ husband?
Skylar Diggins was married to former Notre Dame football player Daniel Smith.
Why did Skylar Diggins drop “Smith” from her name?
She returned to using Skylar Diggins professionally after filing for divorce from Daniel Smith.
What are Skylar Diggins’ career stats?
Her career averages are approximately 16.3–16.4 points, 5.3 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game.
Which WNBA team does Skylar Diggins play for?
As of 2026, she plays for the Chicago Sky after joining the franchise in free agency.
What college did Skylar Diggins attend?
She attended the University of Notre Dame, where she became one of the most accomplished players in program history.
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