The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has been home to some of the most talented female basketball players in the world since its inception in 1996.
While height is often considered a significant advantage in basketball, many shorter players have made their mark in the league, proving that skill, determination, and heart can overcome physical limitations.
This article explores the shortest players in the WNBA, both currently and throughout its history, highlighting their achievements and the impact they’ve made on the game.
Current WNBA Player with the Shortest Height
As of the 2023 season, the title of the shortest active player in the WNBA belongs to Crystal Dangerfield of the Dallas Wings, standing at just 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall.
Despite her diminutive stature, Dangerfield has made a significant impact in the league since being drafted in 2020.
Dangerfield’s journey to the WNBA is a testament to her skill and determination.
Coming out of the University of Connecticut, where she played under legendary coach Geno Auriemma, Dangerfield was selected 16th overall in the 2020 WNBA Draft by the Minnesota Lynx.
In her rookie season, she defied expectations by averaging 16.2 points and 3.6 assists per game, earning her the WNBA Rookie of the Year award.
The 5’5″ guard relies on her quickness, ball-handling skills, and shooting ability to compete against taller opponents.
Her success serves as an inspiration to shorter players aspiring to play at the highest level of women’s basketball.
Shortest Player Representing Each WNBA Team
Each WNBA team has its own shortest player, demonstrating that height diversity exists across the league. Here’s a breakdown of the shortest player on each team’s roster:
Atlanta Dream – Aari McDonald (5 feet 6 inches)
Aari McDonald, standing at 5’6″ (168 cm), is the shortest player on the Atlanta Dream roster.
Despite her size, McDonald has made a name for herself as a defensive specialist and explosive scorer.
Her quickness and agility allow her to navigate through taller defenders and create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates.
Dallas Wings – Crystal Dangerfield (5 feet 5 inches)
As mentioned earlier, Crystal Dangerfield is not only the shortest player on the Dallas Wings but also in the entire WNBA.
Her ability to impact the game despite her size is a testament to her skill and determination.
Chicago Sky – Dana Evans (5 feet 6 inches)
Dana Evans, at 5’6″ (168 cm), is the shortest player on the Chicago Sky roster.
A second-round pick in the 2021 WNBA Draft, Evans has shown promise as a backup point guard, using her speed and court vision to contribute to the team’s success.
Indiana Fever – Destanni Henderson (5 feet 7 inches)
Destanni Henderson, standing at 5’7″ (170 cm), is the shortest player on the Indiana Fever.
Known for her speed and shooting ability, Henderson has quickly become an important part of the Fever’s rotation since being drafted in 2022.
Connecticut Sun – Natisha Hiedeman (5 feet 8 inches)
Natisha Hiedeman, at 5’8″ (173 cm), is the shortest player on the Connecticut Sun roster.
Despite being taller than some of her counterparts on this list, Hiedeman is still considered undersized for her position.
However, her shooting ability and defensive tenacity have made her a valuable asset to the Sun.
Minnesota Lynx – Moriah Jefferson (5 feet 7 inches)
Moriah Jefferson, standing at 5’7″ (170 cm), is the shortest player on the Minnesota Lynx roster.
A former second overall pick in the 2016 WNBA Draft, Jefferson has overcome injuries to become a solid contributor, using her quickness and playmaking abilities to impact the game.
Las Vegas Aces – Riquna Williams (5 feet 7 inches)
Riquna Williams, at 5’7″ (170 cm), is the shortest player on the Las Vegas Aces. Known for her scoring ability, Williams has carved out a role as a valuable bench player for the Aces, providing instant offense when called upon.
Los Angeles Sparks – Jordin Canada (5 feet 6 inches)
Jordin Canada, standing at 5’6″ (168 cm), is the shortest player on the Los Angeles Sparks roster.
A two-time WNBA champion with the Seattle Storm, Canada brings championship experience and playmaking ability to the Sparks’ backcourt.
New York Liberty – Sabrina Ionescu (5 feet 11 inches)
Sabrina Ionescu, at 5’11” (180 cm), is the shortest player in the New York Liberty’s regular rotation.
While she’s taller than many players on this list, Ionescu is considered undersized for her position.
However, her versatility and skill set have made her one of the most exciting young players in the league.
Phoenix Mercury – Moriah Jefferson (5 feet 6 inches)
Moriah Jefferson, who was previously mentioned with the Minnesota Lynx, also spent time with the Phoenix Mercury, where she was the shortest player on the team at 5’6″ (168 cm).
Seattle Storm – Gabby Williams (5 feet 11 inches)
Gabby Williams, standing at 5’11” (180 cm), is the shortest player in the Seattle Storm’s regular rotation.
While taller than many others on this list, Williams is considered undersized for her forward position.
However, her athleticism and versatility allow her to compete effectively against taller opponents.
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Washington Mystics – Shakira Austin (6 feet 5 inches)
Shakira Austin, at 6’5″ (196 cm), is an outlier on this list as she’s significantly taller than the other players mentioned.
However, she’s included here as the shortest regular rotation player for the Washington Mystics, highlighting the team’s overall height.
Shortest WNBA Players of All Time
Throughout the WNBA’s history, several players have defied the odds and made significant impacts despite their small stature.
Here are some of the shortest players to ever grace the WNBA hardwood:
Tina Nicholson – 5’2″
Tina Nicholson, standing at just 5’2″ (157 cm), played in the WNBA from 2003 to 2007.
Despite her size, Nicholson managed to carve out a niche as a backup point guard, using her quickness and court vision to contribute to her teams.
Shannon Bobbitt – 5 feet 2 inches
Shannon Bobbitt, also 5’2″ (157 cm), played in the WNBA from 2008 to 2011.
Bobbitt was known for her incredible speed and defensive tenacity, which allowed her to compete against much taller opponents.
Debbie Black – 5’2.5″
Debbie Black, standing at 5’2.5″ (159 cm), played in the WNBA from 1999 to 2004.
Nicknamed “The Pest” for her relentless defensive pressure, Black proved that heart and hustle could overcome height disadvantages.
Brandi McCain – 5’3″
Brandi McCain, at 5’3″ (160 cm), played briefly in the WNBA in the early 2000s. While her career was short-lived, McCain’s ability to make it to the professional level at her height was an accomplishment in itself.
Temeka Johnson – 5’3″
Temeka Johnson, standing at 5’3″ (160 cm), had a successful WNBA career from 2005 to 2015. Johnson won the Rookie of the Year award in 2005 and was a key player on the 2009 Phoenix Mercury championship team.
Nicole Levesque – 5’3″
Nicole Levesque, also 5’3″ (160 cm), played in the WNBA from 1997 to 2000. As one of the pioneers of the league, Levesque helped pave the way for other shorter players to compete at the highest level.
Shortest WNBA Player to Dunk
While dunking is a rare feat in women’s basketball due to the height of the rim and the average height of players, it’s not unheard of.
The shortest WNBA player to successfully dunk in a game is Candace Parker, who stands at 6’4″ (193 cm).
While not considered short by WNBA standards, Parker’s dunking ability is noteworthy given the rarity of the feat in women’s professional basketball.
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Shortest Female College Basketball Player
At the collegiate level, even shorter players have made their mark.
One of the shortest players to compete at the NCAA Division I level was Debbie Merrill, who stood at just 4’11” (150 cm) and played for the University of Rhode Island in the late 1990s.
While Merrill didn’t make it to the WNBA, her college career is a testament to the fact that determination and skill can overcome significant height disadvantages.
Significant Moments and Memorable Highlights from the Shortest WNBA Players
Throughout WNBA history, shorter players have provided fans with many memorable moments and impressive achievements.
Crystal Dangerfield’s Rookie of the Year Win
In 2020, 5’5″ Crystal Dangerfield became the lowest drafted player (16th overall) to win the WNBA Rookie of the Year award.
Her impressive season with the Minnesota Lynx showcased how smaller players can make a big impact in the league.
Erica Wheeler’s All-Star Game MVP Performance
In 2019, 5’7″ Erica Wheeler became the first undrafted player to win the WNBA All-Star Game MVP award.
Her performance highlighted how determination and hard work can lead to success, regardless of draft status or height.
Aari McDonald’s Defensive Wizardry
Despite her 5’6″ frame, Aari McDonald has established herself as one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders.
Her ability to disrupt opposing offenses and create turnovers has made her a valuable asset to the Atlanta Dream.
Jordin Canada’s Two-Time Championship
Standing at 5’6″, Jordin Canada played a crucial role in the Seattle Storm’s 2018 and 2020 WNBA Championships.
Her contributions as a backup point guard demonstrated how shorter players can impact winning at the highest level.
Courtney Vandersloot’s Record-Breaking Assists
While not the shortest at 5’8″, Courtney Vandersloot has consistently been one of the league’s best playmakers. In 2020, she became the first WNBA player to average 10 assists per game in a season, showcasing how smaller guards can dominate through their passing ability.
A Historical Timeline of the WNBA’s Shortest Players
The presence of shorter players in the WNBA has been consistent throughout its history:
- 1997: Nicole Levesque (5’3″) enters the league in its inaugural season
- 1999: Debbie Black (5’2.5″) begins her WNBA career
- 2005: Temeka Johnson (5’3″) wins Rookie of the Year
- 2008: Shannon Bobbitt (5’2″) makes her WNBA debut
- 2020: Crystal Dangerfield (5’5″) wins Rookie of the Year
This timeline shows that while the average height in the WNBA has increased over time, there has always been room for skilled shorter players to make their mark.
Historical Significance of Short Players in the WNBA
The success of shorter players in the WNBA has had several significant impacts on the league and the sport as a whole:
- Inspiration for younger players: The success of shorter WNBA players inspires young athletes who may have been discouraged by their height.
- Diverse playing styles: Shorter players often bring different skills and playing styles to the game, adding variety and excitement to WNBA play.
- Emphasis on skill development: The success of shorter players highlights the importance of skill development over pure physical attributes.
- Expanded talent pool: By showing that height isn’t the only factor in success, the WNBA has effectively expanded its talent pool.
- Changed perceptions: The achievements of shorter players have helped change perceptions about what it takes to succeed in professional basketball.
Overcoming Height Shortcomings
Shorter players in the WNBA have developed various strategies to compete effectively against taller opponents:
- Superior quickness and agility
- Excellent ball-handling skills
- High basketball IQ and court vision
- Accurate outside shooting
- Tenacious defense, especially on the perimeter
- Relentless work ethic and determination
These skills and attributes allow shorter players to carve out meaningful roles and contribute significantly to their teams’ success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the shortest WNBA player?
The shortest active WNBA player is Crystal Dangerfield at 5’5″ (165 cm).
Are there any 5’5″ WNBA players?
Yes, Crystal Dangerfield of the Dallas Wings is 5’5″ (165 cm).
Is there a 7-foot WNBA player?
No, there has never been a 7-foot player in the WNBA. The tallest player in WNBA history was Margo Dydek at 7’2″ (218 cm).
Who is the shortest girl in WNBA 2023?
As of the 2023 season, Crystal Dangerfield remains the shortest player at 5’5″ (165 cm).
What is the WNBA age limit?
Players must be at least 22 years old during the calendar year of the draft to be eligible.
Conclusion
The success of shorter players in the WNBA demonstrates that basketball is not solely a game of height.
While being tall certainly provides advantages, skilled shorter players have consistently proven that determination, hard work, and specialized skills can overcome physical limitations.
From pioneers like Debbie Black and Temeka Johnson to current stars like Crystal Dangerfield and Aari McDonald, these players have left an indelible mark on the league.
Their achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring basketball players of all heights, reminding us that with the right mindset and skill set, anyone can succeed at the highest levels of the sport.
As the WNBA continues to evolve, it’s clear that there will always be a place for talented players, regardless of their stature, who can impact the game in unique and valuable ways.
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