Damiris Dantas’ path to the WNBA was anything but ordinary. Known today for her smooth shooting stroke and ability to play both forward and center, the Brazilian standout’s journey began long before her 2012 selection as the 12th overall pick by the Minnesota Lynx. Unlike most draftees, Dantas had to wait two years before making her WNBA debut, but she used the time to refine her game overseas and prove she could compete at the highest level.

When Dantas finally suited up for the Lynx, she quickly justified the wait. Her combination of rebounding, court vision, and perimeter shooting gave Minnesota a new dimension and later made her a valuable asset in Indianapolis. Yet the foundation of her success was laid much earlier on the courts of Sao Paulo. Now, let’s deep dive into her life.

Damiris Dantas early life

Brazil, a nation celebrated for its love for soccer (called football in South America) and the vibrant Rio de Janeiro Carnival, was where Damiris Dantas’ story began, but it was not on a joyful note. She lost her mother when she was just nine years old and went to live with her aunt and uncle. Life could have easily taken a different path, but fate had something else in store for her.

At 13 years old, she got into the Janeth Arcain Institute, named after the iconic Brazilian female basketball player, for training. It came after her friend encouraged her to attend the tryouts, and once she did, she was selected immediately because of her height and quick learning ability. Ever since, she has been unstoppable.

Dantas went on to represent her nation in the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup and the Olympic Games. She even won a bronze medal at the U19 World Championship, where she was crowned MVP of the tournament. Later, she represented the national team in the FIBA Americas Championship and added another bronze medal at the Pan American Games. But while her journey looks promising on paper, it wasn’t always easy.

Who are Damiris Dantas’s parents?

While not much is known about Damiris Dantas’s parents, she’s been living with her aunt since she was nine. It came after her mother’s death, and ever since, it’s been her aunt and uncle who supported her. But Dantas has never forgotten her mom. As she once shared while posting some pictures with her:

“I miss you every day, but some days just seem to be worse! I wanted to lie in your lap and tell you so many things—so many insecurities, fears, challenges, and wonderful achievements—that you would be so proud of, and also give me so much advice to follow this life that has hit hard. In those moments, I am more sure that lady, my mother, with such a short time, taught me so much. The truth, Mom, is that every day I feel and look more like you!”

However, her aunt and uncle who raised both her and her sister after her mother died, have been equally important. They supported Dantas throughout her basketball journey. That’s why she left the team during the 2014 WNBA Finals to visit her aunt and say her final goodbye, though she did play in Games 1 and 2 against the Mercury. Sadly, her aunt too passed away recently.

Who are Damiris Dantas’s siblings?

While Dantas prefers to keep her life private, it’s clear she has a special place in her heart for her family. She shares a very close bond with her sister, who has cerebral palsy. After all, she’s the only one who’s been through a similar journey as Dantas. But she isn’t the only one as Dantas often posts showing affection toward her niece on social media.

Damiris Dantas’s sporting family background

Dantas has always been extremely close to her family. But it was her aunt and uncle who supported her after her mother’s death. She moved in with her sister to their house, and that’s what helped shape her basketball journey. Dantas’ uncle was quite passionate about sports and often encouraged Dantas to engage in physical activities to cope with her grief. It was through his guidance that she started playing basketball and built an impressive career out of it.

In 2019, she returned to Minnesota and had a standout season, averaging 9.2 points per game but her career high performance came the next season when she averaged 12.9 points per game. Then came the game-changer in 2024, when she inked a deal with Indiana. She’s now contributing veteran leadership and playoff experience to the locker room. And yes, she’s unstoppable as she recovers from a season-ending injury to get back for the upcoming season!