The Untold Story Of Daniel Smith: Unpacking The Divorce And Life Of Skylar Diggins' Soon-to-Be Ex-Husband

The news of Skylar Diggins’ divorce filing from Daniel Smith has recently sent shockwaves through the WNBA and college sports communities, confirming the end of one of the most high-profile athletic power couples. As of late 2024 and into 2025, the focus has shifted entirely to the dissolution of their eight-year marriage, with the Seattle Storm guard officially removing the "Smith" surname from her public identity. This article provides a deep dive into the man who is now Skylar Diggins' soon-to-be ex-husband, Daniel Smith, exploring his background as a former collegiate athlete, his transition into the art world, and the timeline of their separation.

The separation marks a significant personal chapter for the four-time WNBA All-Star, who quietly filed for the dissolution of marriage in the King County Superior Court in Washington. This detailed profile will move beyond the headlines to explore Daniel Smith’s career, his life as an artist, and the legacy of his relationship with the basketball icon, providing a fresh and unique perspective on the man behind the marriage.

Daniel Smith: Complete Biography and Profile

Daniel Smith, who met Skylar Diggins while they were both student-athletes at the University of Notre Dame, has a compelling life story that spans collegiate football, a career-ending injury, and a successful pivot into the creative arts. His life has been marked by a transition from the gridiron to the canvas, culminating in his role as an entrepreneur and artist.

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• Full Name: Daniel Smith
• Date of Birth: July 16, 1991
• Hometown: South Bend, Indiana
• Alma Mater: University of Notre Dame
• Collegiate Sport: Football (Wide Receiver)
• Notre Dame Jersey No.: 87
• Height/Weight: 6’4” / 215 lbs (Collegiate Stats)
• Spouse: Skylar Diggins (Married April 2017; Divorce Filed 2024/2025)
• Children: Two (a son, born 2019, and a daughter, born 2022)
• Post-Athletic Career: Artist, Entrepreneur
• Business Venture: Founder of Doperman Studios (Dallas, Texas)
• Current Status: Separated; Divorce proceedings underway in King County, Washington

The Athletic Connection: Wide Receiver for the Fighting Irish

Before his transition to the art world, Daniel Smith was a formidable presence on the football field. He attended the University of Notre Dame, the same prestigious institution as Skylar Diggins, where he played as a wide receiver for the Fighting Irish. The couple’s relationship began during their time on campus, a classic college sweetheart story that united two of Notre Dame’s most promising athletes. Smith was known for his size and athleticism, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 215 pounds, and was an integral part of the team.

His football career, however, was cut short due to an injury. This pivotal moment forced a significant change in his professional direction, a common challenge for many elite collegiate athletes. Instead of pursuing a professional football career, Smith channeled his creative energy into a new passion, laying the groundwork for his future as a professional artist.

From Gridiron to Gallery: The Rise of Doperman Studios

Daniel Smith’s post-football career is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and artistic talent. Following his injury, he fully embraced the visual arts, establishing himself as an artist and business owner. This career shift is one of the most significant aspects of his life outside of his relationship with the WNBA superstar.

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The Art of Doperman Studios

Smith is the founder of Doperman Studios, a creative venture based in Dallas, Texas. While the details of his specific artistic style are often kept private, the "Doperman" moniker suggests a focus on modern, impactful, and potentially street-art-inspired works. His ability to build a business and a new career path after a major setback highlights a resilience that is often overlooked in discussions about his personal life. This entrepreneurial pivot makes him a unique figure among the partners of professional athletes, demonstrating a successful pursuit of an independent career.

The transition from a high-stakes team sport like football to the solitary, expressive world of art is a fascinating dimension of Daniel Smith's profile. It speaks to a multifaceted personality that thrives both in the competitive environment of athletics and the nuanced space of creative expression. The success of Doperman Studios has allowed him to carve out his own professional identity, separate from the fame of his wife, Skylar Diggins.

The Recent Divorce Filing: Timeline and Public Reaction

The dissolution of the marriage between Skylar Diggins and Daniel Smith became official public knowledge when the WNBA star filed for divorce. The timeline and context surrounding the filing are crucial for understanding the current status of the couple and the transition of Daniel Smith to "ex-husband."

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The King County Court Filing

Skylar Diggins filed for the dissolution of marriage in March 2024 (or early 2025, depending on the source’s publication date) in the King County Superior Court in Washington State. This location is significant as it aligns with Skylar Diggins' professional life, as she plays guard for the Seattle Storm. The filing signaled an "irretrievably broken" marriage, the standard legal grounds for divorce in Washington.

The couple had been married since April 2017, celebrating their wedding with a ceremony in Chicago. They share two young children, a son and a daughter, and the divorce proceedings will involve determining the custody arrangements and division of assets, a common process in high-profile separations.

The Name Change and Public Statement

One of the most telling and public actions confirming the split was Skylar Diggins’ decision to drop the "Smith" surname. She publicly stated that she no longer wished to be referenced with her married name, choosing to revert to Skylar Diggins. This move was mirrored by changes on her social media platforms, where she removed the "Smith" from her handle, a clear and decisive statement about her new personal chapter.

The couple has maintained relative privacy throughout the proceedings, with both parties choosing not to go into detail about the reasons for the split. This discretion is typical for public figures navigating sensitive family matters, especially those involving young children. The focus remains on the legal process in King County and the transition of both individuals into their post-marriage lives. Daniel Smith, as the soon-to-be ex-husband, continues to focus on his art and business endeavors at Doperman Studios, moving forward with his established career as an entrepreneur and artist.