Childhood and Education Journey of Elena Delle Donne in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Elena Delle Donne. A timeline of key moments.

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

September 5, 1989: Elena Delle Donne Born

On September 5, 1989, Elena Delle Donne was born. She would grow to become a professional basketball player in the WNBA.

Others born on this day/year

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.

August 16, 2008: Delle Donne Enrolls at the University of Delaware

On August 16, 2008, Elena Delle Donne announced she would not accept the basketball scholarship from University of Connecticut due to burnout. She decided to enroll at the University of Delaware and join their volleyball team.

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.

2009: Delle Donne Started College Basketball at Delaware

In 2009, Elena Delle Donne began her college basketball career playing for the Delaware Blue Hens.

2009: Brother Joins Family Company

In 2009, Elena Delle Donne's older brother, Gene, graduated from Middle Tennessee and returned to Delaware to work for their father's company.

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.

2012: ESPN Writer Commented on Delle Donne's Return

In 2012, ESPN writer Graham Hays commented that it might not be a coincidence that Elena Delle Donne returned to basketball the year her brother returned to Delaware.

2012: ESPN Story on Delle Donne

In 2012, an ESPN story featured Elena Delle Donne's brother Gene discussing her close relationship with their family.

2013: Endorsement Deals with Nike and DuPont

In 2013, Elena Delle Donne signed endorsement deals with Nike and DuPont, a chemical company based in Wilmington, Delaware.

February 2014: Special Olympics Global Ambassador

In February 2014, Elena Delle Donne was named a Special Olympics Global Ambassador and participated in the NBA Cares Special Olympics Unified Basketball Game during All-Star weekend.

2015: Representation Agreement with Octagon

In 2015, Elena Delle Donne signed a representation agreement with Octagon.

August 2016: Engagement Announcement

In August 2016, Elena Delle Donne announced her engagement to her longtime girlfriend, Amanda Clifton, in an issue of Vogue.

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.

November 3, 2017: Marriage to Amanda Clifton

On November 3, 2017, Elena Delle Donne and Amanda Clifton were married.

March 2019: Honored by US Women's National Soccer Team

In March 2019, for their first match, the women of the United States women's national soccer team each wore a jersey with the name of a woman they were honoring on the back; Emily Fox chose the name of Elena Delle Donne.

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.