Challenges Faced by Elena Delle Donne: Obstacles and Turning Points

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 4, 2025

Life is full of challenges, and Elena Delle Donne faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Elena Delle Donne is an accomplished American professional basketball player who most recently played for the Washington Mystics in the WNBA. She starred at the University of Delaware before being drafted second overall by the Chicago Sky in 2013, leading them to the WNBA Finals in 2014. In 2017, she was traded to the Washington Mystics, where she spearheaded their historic 2019 WNBA championship victory. Delle Donne is known for her exceptional scoring ability and impact on the court.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2007: Personal Break in High School

Prior to the 2007-08 season, Elena Delle Donne took a personal break in high school.

June 2008: Delle Donne Dropped Out of Connecticut's Summer Program

In early June 2008, Elena Delle Donne abruptly dropped out of the University of Connecticut's summer school program after just two days due to being homesick and close to her family.

2008: Lyme Disease Diagnosis

In 2008, during her senior year in high school, Elena Delle Donne was diagnosed with Lyme disease after being bitten by an infected tick on her family's property in Delaware.

2012: Fought Lyme Disease

During the 2012-13 season, Elena Delle Donne fought Lyme disease, missing four games, but returning on December 12 against Maryland. That game had the largest crowd to ever see a women's basketball game at the Bob Carpenter Center.

2014: Lyme Disease Flare-Up and WNBA Finals Appearance

In 2014, Elena Delle Donne played only 16 regular season games due to a Lyme disease flare-up, but helped the Chicago Sky reach the WNBA Finals, where they lost to the Phoenix Mercury.

2014: Cut from World Championship Team

In 2014, Elena Delle Donne was considered for the U.S. team at the World Championship, but she was cut due to a back injury sustained during the WNBA Playoffs.

2016: Injury and Playoffs

In 2016, Elena Delle Donne averaged 21.5 points per game but suffered a season-ending thumb injury, keeping her out of the playoffs where the Sky advanced to the semi-finals.

2016: ESPN Story on Delle Donne

In 2016, an ESPN story discussed Elena Delle Donne's childhood struggles with her height and her sister Lizzie's disabilities.

July 14, 2017: Ankle Injury

On July 14, 2017, Elena Delle Donne suffered a sprained right ankle during a game against the Indiana Fever, causing her to miss the 2017 WNBA All-Star Game.

August 1, 2017: Thumb Injury

On August 1, 2017, Elena Delle Donne sustained a left thumb injury while playing against the Atlanta Dream and was sidelined for two weeks.

2017: Joins Chinese Team Shanxi

In 2017, Elena Delle Donne signed a short-term deal to play for the Chinese team Shanxi in their league's playoffs. However, her time there ended early due to a Lyme disease flare-up, forcing her return to the US.

2020: Opt-Out of 2020 WNBA Season

In 2020, Elena Delle Donne chose to sit out the entire season due to health concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. She was initially denied a medical opt-out but the Mystics ensured she received her full salary.