The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) is home to some of the most talented basketball players in the world, where height is often an advantage.
However, shorter players have consistently defied the odds, proving that skill, speed, and determination are just as valuable as physical stature.
This article explores the shortest players in the WNBA, both current and all-time, and how these athletes have made a lasting impact on the league.
Current WNBA Player with the Shortest Height
As of the 2023 season, the shortest player in the WNBA is Crystal Dangerfield of the Dallas Wings, who stands at just 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm).
Despite her size, she has become a prominent figure in the league, known for her quickness, ball-handling, and shooting ability.
Crystal Dangerfield’s Impact
Crystal Dangerfield was drafted 16th overall by the Minnesota Lynx in the 2020 WNBA Draft. During her rookie season, she averaged 16.2 points and 3.6 assists per game, earning her the prestigious WNBA Rookie of the Year award.
Her ability to compete against taller players is a testament to her skills and determination, inspiring many shorter players to pursue a career in professional basketball.
Stats for Crystal Dangerfield (as of 2023)
| Category | Stats |
| Height | 5’5″ (165 cm) |
| Points per Game | 16.2 |
| Assists per Game | 3.6 |
| Steals per Game | 1.1 |
Shortest Player Representing Each WNBA Team
Each WNBA team has its own shortest player, showcasing the diversity of player sizes across the league. Here is a list of the shortest players on each team’s roster:
- Atlanta Dream – Aari McDonald (5 feet 6 inches)
- Dallas Wings – Crystal Dangerfield (5 feet 5 inches)
- Chicago Sky – Dana Evans (5 feet 6 inches)
- Indiana Fever – Destanni Henderson (5 feet 7 inches)
- Connecticut Sun – Natisha Hiedeman (5 feet 8 inches)
- Minnesota Lynx – Moriah Jefferson (5 feet 7 inches)
- Las Vegas Aces – Riquna Williams (5 feet 7 inches)
- Los Angeles Sparks – Jordin Canada (5 feet 6 inches)
- New York Liberty – Sabrina Ionescu (5 feet 11 inches)
- Phoenix Mercury – Moriah Jefferson (5 feet 6 inches)
- Seattle Storm – Gabby Williams (5 feet 11 inches)
- Washington Mystics – Shakira Austin (6 feet 5 inches)
Aari McDonald: A Rising Star
Standing at 5’6″ (168 cm), Aari McDonald is the shortest player on the Atlanta Dream roster. Known for her defensive prowess and ability to score in transition, McDonald has become one of the top perimeter defenders in the WNBA.
Shortest WNBA Players of All Time
Throughout the history of the WNBA, several players have set an example by excelling despite their shorter stature. These players have broken barriers and proven that determination can outweigh physical limitations.
Tina Nicholson – 5’2″
Tina Nicholson, standing at 5’2″ (157 cm), is one of the shortest players to ever play in the WNBA. Despite her size, she played for the Sacramento Monarchs from 2003 to 2007 and contributed significantly as a backup point guard.
Shannon Bobbitt – 5 feet 2 inches
Like Tina Nicholson, Shannon Bobbitt was 5’2″ (157 cm) and played in the WNBA from 2008 to 2011. Bobbitt was renowned for her incredible speed and defensive tenacity, which made her a standout player despite her height disadvantage.
Other Notable Short Players
- Debbie Black – 5’2.5″ (159 cm)
- Brandi McCain – 5’3″ (160 cm)
- Temeka Johnson – 5’3″ (160 cm)
- Nicole Levesque – 5’3″ (160 cm)
These players, while shorter than many of their peers, became legends in their own right due to their tenacity and ability to use their size as an advantage in certain aspects of the game.
Shortest WNBA Player to Dunk
While dunking is a rare occurrence in the WNBA due to the height of the rim and the players’ average size, the shortest player to dunk in the WNBA is Candace Parker, standing at 6’4″ (193 cm). Although not considered “short” by typical standards, Parker’s ability to dunk at her height was groundbreaking for women’s professional basketball.
Shortest Female College Basketball Player
At the collegiate level, even shorter players have made their mark. Debbie Merrill, standing at 4’11″ (150 cm), was one of the shortest to compete at the NCAA Division I level, playing for the University of Rhode Island in the late 1990s.
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Significant Moments and Memorable Highlights from the Shortest WNBA Players
The shortest players in WNBA history have provided fans with many exciting moments. Some of their most memorable performances include:
Crystal Dangerfield’s Rookie of the Year Win
In 2020, Crystal Dangerfield became the lowest-drafted player (16th overall) to win the WNBA Rookie of the Year award. Her remarkable first season demonstrated that height isn’t everything in basketball.
Erica Wheeler’s All-Star Game MVP Performance
In 2019, Erica Wheeler, standing at 5’7″, made history by becoming the first undrafted player to win the WNBA All-Star Game MVP. Her performance solidified her reputation as one of the most skilled and determined players in the league.
Aari McDonald’s Defensive Wizardry
Aari McDonald has earned recognition for her exceptional defensive abilities. Despite being 5’6″, she’s made an impact on both ends of the court for the Atlanta Dream, helping to shut down much taller opponents.
Jordin Canada’s Two-Time Championship
At just 5’6″, Jordin Canada played a crucial role in helping the Seattle Storm win two WNBA Championships in 2018 and 2020. Her contributions were pivotal to the Storm’s success.
Courtney Vandersloot’s Record-Breaking Assists
Courtney Vandersloot, standing at 5’8″, became the first player in WNBA history to average 10 assists per game in a season. Her passing ability is unmatched, and her skills have led to many victories for her team.
A Historical Timeline of the WNBA’s Shortest Players
- 1997: Nicole Levesque (5’3″) enters the league as one of the shortest players.
- 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 highlights the continual presence of shorter players in the WNBA, proving that skill and heart can surpass physical limitations.
Historical Significance of Short Players in the WNBA
The success of shorter players in the WNBA has influenced the league in many ways:
- Inspiration: Short players inspire younger athletes who may believe their height is a barrier.
- Skill Development: They emphasize that skill development, not just physical attributes, is key to success in basketball.
- Diversified Play Styles: Short players bring unique skill sets, such as speed and agility, to the game.
Their contributions have helped expand the talent pool, proving that height isn’t everything in basketball.
Overcoming Height Shortcomings
To compete against taller opponents, shorter players in the WNBA have mastered specific skills:
- Superior Quickness and Agility: Shorter players often rely on their ability to move quickly and decisively on the court.
- Excellent Ball Handling: Being able to control the ball under pressure is essential for success.
- High Basketball IQ: Understanding the game’s nuances allows shorter players to outthink taller opponents.
- Accurate Shooting: Outside shooting is often a vital asset, as it allows shorter players to score without being contested inside.
These skills allow short players to overcome height disadvantages 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 stands at 5’5″ (165 cm), making her the shortest current player.
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 is Margo Dydek, who stood at 7’2″ (218 cm).
Who is the shortest girl in WNBA 2023?
Crystal Dangerfield, at 5’5″ (165 cm), is the shortest player in the 2023 WNBA season.
What is the WNBA age limit?
Players must be at least 22 years old during the calendar year of the draft to be eligible for the WNBA.
Conclusion
The shortest players in the WNBA have demonstrated that height is not the ultimate measure of success in professional basketball. Players like Crystal Dangerfield, Aari McDonald, and Erica Wheeler have proven that skill, determination, and a unique playing style can overcome any physical limitations.
Their success serves as an inspiration to younger players, proving that anyone can succeed at the highest level with the right combination of hard work and talent.
The presence of shorter players in the WNBA has enriched the league, offering fans diverse playing styles and exciting moments that showcase the true spirit of the game.
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