The lights had dimmed at Mayo Clinic Square, but Dorka Juhasz wasn’t done yet. As the last Lynx player on the court, she stayed behind, alone with the echo of bouncing basketballs and the weight of everything it took to get there. Just a few months earlier, she stood far from certainty—no contract, no spotlight, just a dream she’d carried since she was a kid shooting hoops in Hungary.
Back then, the WNBA felt like a distant galaxy. Now, she was standing right in it—on the brink, but not yet in. Second-round picks don’t come with guarantees. Not in this league. Twelve teams, twelve full-time spots per roster—every inch had to be earned.
Dorka knew that. It’s why she left her home country as a teenager, chasing something most people wouldn’t dare. First came Ohio State, then UConn, then draft day, and now this—fighting for her place in the most competitive women’s basketball league in the world.
Meanwhile, her biggest supporter was thousands of miles away, watching each game with unwavering loyalty—even if it meant setting an alarm for the middle of the night. “She’s up for every single game that I play,” Juhasz said. “A lot of times, especially these West Coast games, … that’s nine hours difference. So she wakes up at 3 a.m., 4 a.m. in the morning watching me play.”
Her mother, Hajnalka Juhász, had once blazed her own trail in Hungarian basketball. She never had the chance to take her game across the Atlantic. But she passed something down: the fire, the discipline, and the dream.
“A lot goes back to my mom,” Dorka said. “I always wanted to be like her.” It’s not just the game that runs in the family—it’s the grit. The sense of duty. The roots. And now, as Dorka steps further into the spotlight, fans are wondering: Who is she beyond the jersey? What shaped her? Where does her story really begin? Let’s peel back the curtain.
Where is Dorka Juhasz from? What’s the Minnesota Lynx star’s nationality?
Dorka Juhasz’s story begins in the Hungarian city of Pécs, where she was born on December 18, 1999. Growing up, basketball was more than just a game—it was a challenge. From a young age, Dorka felt the pressure of constant competition, shaped by being the child of a Hungarian national team legend. “You go there, there’s 20 girls, you’re competing for a spot,” she recalled. “There’s nothing guaranteed there.” These early experiences taught her to fight for every opportunity, something she carried with her throughout her career.
Dorka’s talent stood out on Hungary’s youth national teams and at the FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup. There, she averaged 11.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, and nearly a steal per game. By March 2018, she ranked as the 12th-best international player and the 5th-best forward in her class. She chose Ohio State for college and spent three seasons there. Eventually, she transferred to the University of Connecticut to continue her development.
In 2023, Dorka was drafted 16th overall by the Minnesota Lynx, marking the start of her pro career. Her debut came in May 2023 against the Chicago Sky. She made an impact, scoring 5 points and grabbing 3 rebounds in 15 minutes. On July 20, 2023, she made history. Dorka became the only rookie to post 15+ points, 10+ rebounds, 3+ assists, and 2+ steals on 70% shooting in a regular-season game.
From Hungary to Italy and now to the U.S., Dorka’s journey has been defined by grit, sacrifice, and a relentless drive to prove herself. Through every challenge, she’s carried the spirit of Hungary with her, always pushing forward to the next chapter in her career.
What is Dorka Juhasz’s ethnicity and religion?
Dorka Juhasz has kept much of her personal life private, including details about her ethnicity. What is clear, though, is that her roots are in Hungary, given her nationality and the fact that she was born in Pecs. While specifics about her ethnicity aren’t shared publicly, it’s likely that she is of Hungarian descent. For Dorka, it’s never been about labels or what’s expected. She’s chosen to focus on what she does best—letting her game and presence speak for itself. Her dedication and performance on the court are her true identity.
Has Dorka Juhasz played for the Euro League?
Dorka Juhasz’s journey into the EuroLeague began after the 2023 WNBA season, when she chose to continue her growth with Famila Basket Schio in Italy. It was a big step, one that allowed her to compete at the highest level of European basketball. She made an immediate impact. On February 18, 2024, Famila Basket Schio won the Italian Cup, defeating Umana Reyer Venezia 81-68. Juhasz contributed 4 points and 9 rebounds, a moment that proved her ability to shine on the international stage.
But her story didn’t end there. When the 2024-2025 season began, Juhasz returned to Schio, eager to make her mark once again. In one of the most exciting moments of the season, Famila Schio made an impressive comeback in the EuroLeague, overcoming a 15-point deficit to defeat Bourges 67-62. Juhasz was key in that victory, scoring the opening basket and providing steady leadership as her team fought back.
For Juhasz, playing in the EuroLeague is about more than just offseason training—it’s a chance to challenge herself in one of the world’s most competitive leagues. She competes alongside her Lynx teammate Jess Shepard and faces off against other WNBA stars like Kayla McBride and Bridget Carleton. In Schio, she’s surrounded by elite competition, pushing herself every day to keep improving.
The post What Is Dorka Juhasz Ethnicity & Religion? Digging Deeper Into Minnesota Lynx Star’s Nationality and Family Background appeared first on EssentiallySports.