Fans Saddened for Teammate of Caitlin Clark
Over the past few days Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever have been dominating the headlines as the team gets back onto the court for practice and media sessions.
While most of the news has been positive, given the team's impressive offseason additions, one notable figure has been missing. Damiris Dantas, the No. 12 overall pick from the 2012 WNBA draft, has missed the past few days of practice, though the reason for her absence wasn't known until Friday morning.
"She's been out for these few days because of a loss in the family, per the Fever. She will miss practice today but be back tomorrow for the Fever's first preseason game," Chloe Peterson of the Indianapolis Star revealed on the morning of May 2.
An update on Damiris Dantas:
— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) May 2, 2025
She's been out for these few days because of a loss in the family, per the Fever. She will miss practice today but be back tomorrow for the Fever's first preseason game.
Fans of the Fever and WNBA as a whole took to social media to let Dantas know they were thinking about her during this difficult time.
"Losing family is never easy. Prayers up for DD," one person said.
"So much love to DD and her family," offered another.
"Sending all the love and prayers for Damiris," added a third.
After starting for the first eight seasons of her career, Dantas came off the bench for the Fever in 20 regular‑season appearances last year while averaging 4.5 points and 2.2 rebounds per game.
The Fever are set to kick off their preseason with a game against the Washington Mystics on May 3. Clark and company will then face off against Brazil in her former stadium at Iowa before a final preseason bout against the Atlanta Dream on May 10 before opening the season against Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky on May 17.