Caitlin Clark's Teammate Dealt Heartbreaking Personal News Before Season
After a whirlwind rookie campaign that saw Caitlin Clark rewrite the WNBA record books, the Indiana Fever enter their 2025 preseason with optimism.
Last season, Clark's command of the floor turned Indiana from a lottery team into a .500 playoff squad for the first time since 2016.
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The team finished 20‑20 and clinched the franchise's first postseason berth in eight years.
Unfortunately, veteran forward Damiris Dantas, a key addition in 2024, was held out of Thursday's practice and media day on an excused personal matter.
The team confirms Dantas will rejoin the squad for Friday's preseason opener against the Washington Mystics, per Chloe Peterson of IndyStar Sports. According to Peterson, the Fever explained that Dantas' absence was due to "a loss in the family."
Dantas, 32, brings nine seasons of WNBA and Olympic experience. Drafted 12th overall in 2012, she has started 128 games across Minnesota, Atlanta and now Indiana.
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In 20 regular‑season appearances last year with the Fever, Dantas chipped in 4.5 points and 2.2 rebounds per game, providing reliable low‑post spacing with a 39.4% 3‑point stroke.
Clark, meanwhile, the No. 1 pick in 2024, averaged 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and led the league with 8.4 assists per game en route to Rookie of the Year and All‑WNBA First Team honors last season.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22).© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Though swept in the first round, the cultural shift with the Fever was unmistakable.
This winter, Indiana added WNBA champions DeWanna Bonner and Natasha Howard and hired coach Stephanie White to bring in some playoff‑tested leadership.
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As Clark readies for Year 2, having a seasoned allies like Dantas available rounds out a roster built for contention.
Related: Caitlin Clark Turns Heads With Appearance at NBA Playoff Game
Related: Former Iowa Star Gabbie Marshall Upset About New Caitlin Clark Announcement
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