Rik Smits, a former Dutch professional basketball player who spent his entire NBA career with the Indiana Pacers, has been in a relationship with Donna Jarrett, his longtime girlfriend.
The former NBA star Rik Smits and his longtime girlfriend Donna Jarrett have been together for over a decade and have been each other’s constant supporters through all the good and bad times.
While Rik Smits and Donna Jarrett have yet to tie the knot, they began their romantic relationship after his divorce from his former wife, Candice Foxworthy-Smits.
Furthermore, Rik Smits and his former wife, Candice Foxworthy-Smits, tied the knot on June 28, 1997.
Despite their separation, they mutually raised their two children, son Derrik and daughter Jasmine, and guided them to thrive in their respective careers.
The former NBA star also retired from his professional basketball career in 2000 to spend more time with his then-wife, Candice, and their two kids.
Rik Smits And Candice’s Son Derrik Smits Followed In His Father’s Basketball Footsteps
Rik Smits and his former wife, Candice Forworthy-Smits, raised their youngest child, son Derrik Smits, to be an exceptional athlete.
Born on September 6, 1996, in Zionsville, Indiana, United States, Derrik Smits is a former college basketball player who showcased his amazing skills playing at Valparaiso University and his mother’s alma mater, Butler University.
Before Valparaiso, Derrik played at Zionsville High School, where he was named an Indiana All-Star and a two-time All-Conference honoree.
While at Valparaiso, Derrik led in both scoring and rebounding as a redshirt junior during the 2018-19 season and earned Missouri Valley Conference All-Most Improved Team honors.
Likewise, he played his final season of college eligibility in 2019-20 at Butler University, where he averaged 3.1 points and 1.7 rebounds per game for the Bulldogs.
Derrik signed his first professional contract with Real Valladolid in Spain for the 2020-21 season, but he terminated his contract for personal reasons.
Earning his Bachelor’s degree in communication from Valparaiso University and MBA from Butler University, Derrik Smits currently works as a financial professional at Bankers Life in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Before that, he worked as a Sales Staff at Colby Auto Investments and as a Sales Professional at Pearson Ford for two years.
Their Daughter, Jasmine Smits, Works With The Indiana Pacers
Like Rik Smits, his eldest child, daughter, Jasmine Smits, also decided to pursue her career with the NBA’s Indiana Pacers.
Jasmine began her journey with the Indiana Pacers as an event production and facilities intern in 2015 after earning her Bachelor of Science in experience design from the University of Indianapolis.
She further continued her journey as a game operations and promotions intern and with her amazing work, she was quickly promoted to Fan Van Supervisor and Game Operations assistant.
Likewise, Jasmine Smits has been working as a Pacers and Mad Ants Player Relations Coordinator since 2019. Before that, she worked as an administrative assistant and game night supervisor.
Rik Smits’ Former Wife, Candice Foxworthy-Smits, Worked As A Financial Aid Advisor
While still in a relationship with Rik Smits, his former wife, Candice Foxworthy-Smits, earned her Master’s degree in School Counseling from Butler University in 2002 and began her career as a school counselor.
Candice began her career as an instructional assistant at Zionsville Community Schools in Zionsville, Indiana, in 2005, and served in this position for almost two years.
She further continued her journey, working as an admissions counselor and financial aid advisor for Salem International University in Carmel, Indiana, from 2011 to 2013.
Very little information about Candice Foxworthy-Smits’ current job status.
Prior to joining Butler University, Candice earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Corrections from the University of Indianapolis, where she received the prestigious Marvin Hendrick Award for outstanding achievement in Behavioral Sciences.
She also earned her Associate of Applied Science degree in Paralegal Studies from Ivy Tech Community College.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Rik Smits was born on August 23, 1966, in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, and began playing basketball at the age of 14 at PSV-Almonte in Eindhoven.
- He played college basketball at Marist College and led his team to the ECAC Metro Conference tournament Championship.
