Minnesota Lynx forward Dorka Juhász is taking a much-needed breather from the WNBA. After two straight years of nonstop basketball across two continents, the 25-year-old announced that she will sit out the 2025 WNBA season to prioritize recovery and rest. It’s a strategic decision that reflects the mental and physical toll of elite year-round competition—and highlights the growing reality for many international WNBA players.
Currently starring in Italy’s top professional league, Juhász is in the midst of a high-stakes playoff run with Famila Schio, one of Europe’s most dominant women’s basketball clubs. She recently helped guide the team to the Italian league finals and was named the EuroLeague Women’s MVP for January 2025, a major accolade in the most prestigious international women’s tournament outside the WNBA.
From Connecticut to Columbus to the World Stage
Juhász’s path to basketball success is anything but ordinary. Originally from Pécs, Hungary, she made her way to the U.S. collegiate ranks in 2018, playing three standout seasons at Ohio State before transferring to the University of Connecticut. There, she honed her skills under Hall of Fame coach Geno Auriemma, becoming a steady contributor and gaining national recognition.
Her rebounding, passing vision, and basketball IQ set her apart. Standing at 6’5”, Juhász plays with a rare combo of physical presence and finesse—ideal for the modern forward spot. She was drafted 16th overall by the Minnesota Lynx in the 2023 WNBA Draft and immediately made an impact, averaging 6.5 points and 6.4 rebounds per game in her rookie season. She showed promise not just as a role player, but as a potential cornerstone for the Lynx’s frontcourt future.
But after finishing her rookie campaign in the WNBA, she went straight into European league competition—a move common for many W players who often need international contracts to supplement their WNBA salaries. For Juhász, it meant zero offseason, zero rest, and over 100 games played across two years.
Why the Break Matters
While sitting out an entire WNBA season might seem drastic, it’s not unusual—especially for international players or those juggling multiple pro leagues. Juhász’s decision to step back isn’t about injury; it’s about longevity, sustainability, and ensuring she can perform at a high level for years to come.
“After a nonstop schedule and an incredible run with both the Lynx and Famila Schio, I’ve made the decision to sit out the 2025 WNBA season to prioritize rest and recovery,” Juhász said in a statement shared by the Lynx. “This is not goodbye—just a pause to refuel and come back stronger.”
The Minnesota Lynx fully support her decision. In a team release, Lynx head coach and president of basketball operations Cheryl Reeve emphasized the organization’s commitment to player well-being. “We respect and support Dorka’s choice to take the time she needs. She’s been a valuable part of our team and has a bright future in this league.”
In an era where athlete burnout and mental health are finally getting the attention they deserve, Juhász’s move is both brave and smart. It’s a reminder that rest is just as crucial as hustle.
Dominating Overseas: Famila Schio & EuroLeague Highlights
While the WNBA takes the summer spotlight in the U.S., EuroLeague Women’s basketball is the battleground where many of the world’s top players stay sharp—and get paid. Juhász has shined overseas this year, leading Famila Schio through the EuroLeague season and into the Italian league finals.
Her performances in early 2025 earned her the EuroLeague MVP for January, an honor that reflects just how impactful she’s been. In that stretch, she averaged double-doubles, anchored the paint, and expanded her perimeter game, proving she’s not just growing—she’s evolving.
European fans love her versatility and work ethic, while WNBA scouts have taken note of her improved offensive confidence and defensive footwork. Even as she takes a step back from the U.S. league, her global game continues to rise.
What This Means for the Minnesota Lynx
Losing Juhász for the 2025 season is definitely a blow for a Lynx team in transition. With legends like Sylvia Fowles having retired and the team retooling with a younger core, Juhász was expected to play a bigger role in the upcoming season. Her absence opens up rotation minutes in the frontcourt, likely giving players like Alanna Smith and Nikolina Milić more opportunities.
Still, the Lynx are playing the long game. A healthy, rested, and reenergized Juhász in 2026 could be even more impactful than an exhausted version trying to power through fatigue. It also sends a strong message to the rest of the roster: taking care of your body and mental well-being isn’t just acceptable—it’s strategic.
Bigger Picture: The WNBA’s Year-Round Reality
Juhász’s decision to rest reignites an ongoing conversation about the year-round demands placed on women’s basketball players. Unlike their NBA counterparts, most WNBA athletes don’t have the luxury of full-season salaries or endorsements to cover downtime. Many are forced to play internationally during the WNBA offseason to make ends meet, often resulting in physical strain and minimal recovery windows.
The recent rise in attention, sponsorships, and media coverage surrounding the WNBA has helped push this issue into the spotlight. But structural change is still needed—whether that’s through higher salaries, protected rest clauses, or schedule adjustments to reduce burnout.
Juhász’s choice to sit out voluntarily adds to the growing list of players advocating for sustainable careers, not just short-term wins.
Looking Ahead
Though fans will miss seeing Dorka Juhász in a Lynx uniform this summer, her absence isn’t a disappearance—it’s a reset. A strategic pause. She’ll continue competing with Famila Schio through the end of the Italian league playoffs and likely take the offseason to focus on recovery, personal development, and what’s next.
And when she returns to the WNBA, expect her to be even more formidable. Rested. Refocused. Ready.
In a league full of fighters, Dorka Juhász just made one of the most powerful moves of all—choosing herself. By stepping away for a season, she’s protecting her health, honoring her journey, and reminding the basketball world that strength doesn’t always mean pushing through. Sometimes, it means pausing with purpose.