Amy Dettbarn: From Athlete to Dental Specialist – A Mother’s Journey Behind Paige Bueckers’ Success

When we talk about sports prodigies like Paige Bueckers, we often focus solely on the athlete’s stats, records, and milestones. But behind such phenomenal success is often a pillar of unwavering support, resilience, and guidance—someone like Amy Dettbarn, Paige’s mother. From her early years in Minnesota to her professional life in dentistry, and from her athletic past to raising a sports superstar, Amy Dettbarn’s life is a compelling story of ambition, sacrifice, and influence.

Who is Amy Dettbarn?

Amy Jo Dettbarn, now also known by the name Amy Fuller after remarriage, was born on December 9, 1976, in Brainerd, Minnesota, to parents Steven and Joann Dettbarn. Growing up in a modest Midwestern town, Amy cultivated strong roots in family, education, and athletics.

She was an accomplished athlete herself, attending the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota on a track and field scholarship. While at university, Amy didn’t just prove herself in athletics—she was a high-achieving student and graduated in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences. Her dual focus on sports and science laid the foundation for her future as a mother, professional, and role model.

Amy Dettbarn and Bob Bueckers: A Chapter of Partnership and Parenting

Amy Dettbarn married Bob Bueckers on June 5, 1999, shortly after completing her undergraduate studies. The couple shared several values, most notably their appreciation for sports, discipline, and education. Together, they welcomed their daughter Paige Bueckers on October 20, 2001.

Though their marriage ended in divorce in 2004, when Paige was just three years old, both parents remained actively involved in her upbringing. While Paige primarily lived with her father Bob in Minnesota, Amy continued to play an integral role in her daughter’s life, offering emotional and maternal support throughout Paige’s formative years.

Amy and Bob set a strong foundation of sportsmanship and responsibility for Paige. Bob, a former high school basketball player and coach, guided Paige on the court, while Amy’s experience as a former athlete and later as a health professional provided a balanced perspective of discipline, wellness, and hard work.

Amy Dettbarn Fuller: A New Chapter After Divorce

Following her divorce from Bob Bueckers, Amy took steps to rebuild her personal and professional life. She eventually remarried in 2009 to Brian Scott Fuller, a periodontist and dental surgeon. From this marriage, Amy had two additional children: Ryan and Lauren Fuller.

Professionally, Amy pursued a path in dentistry, initially earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and later specializing with a Master’s in Periodontics from the University of Minnesota. After practicing dentistry for several years, she worked as an office manager at Fuller Periodontics & Implant Dentistry. Later, Amy transitioned into a role as a Dental Equipment Specialist at Patterson Dental in Billings, Montana, where she now resides.

Though her marriage to Brian Fuller eventually ended in divorce, Amy has continued to focus on raising her children and building a career that complements her academic training and people-oriented nature.

The Mother Behind a Basketball Star

Amy Dettbarn’s role in her daughter’s rise to basketball stardom cannot be overstated. While Bob Bueckers took on the role of training Paige on the court, Amy’s influence was often quieter but equally powerful.

Amy’s own athletic background helped her understand Paige’s competitive drive, the physical demands of sport, and the emotional rollercoaster of wins and losses. She encouraged Paige’s independence while maintaining a nurturing presence. Despite living in separate states for much of Paige’s life, Amy remained a constant figure in her life—attending games, speaking with her regularly, and always cheering her on.

Notably, Amy attended Paige’s high school and college games, including her breakout performances in AAU tournaments and her standout appearances at the University of Connecticut (UConn). She was seen in the stands at major events like the Big East Tournament, beaming with pride as her daughter’s star continued to rise.

Balancing Career, Motherhood, and Privacy

Amy Dettbarn’s life demonstrates a rare balance between professional growth and personal privacy. Despite being the mother of one of the most recognizable young athletes in the world, Amy maintains a low public profile. She has avoided social media fame and prefers to stay out of the limelight, allowing her daughter to enjoy her career on her own terms.

Professionally, Amy is respected in the dental industry for her knowledge and work ethic. Her transition from clinical dentistry to equipment consultancy reflects her adaptability and dedication to continuous learning. Her move to Montana signaled a quieter life, focused on her children, health, and career.

What We Learn From Amy Dettbarn

Amy Dettbarn’s life offers a powerful narrative about resilience, strength, and the unseen pillars behind public figures. She reminds us that behind every star athlete is often a parent who believed in them from the beginning—who invested time, energy, love, and sacrifice to help them succeed.

Her personal journey—from small-town athlete to dental professional, from young wife and mother to single parent and career woman—illustrates the evolving roles women navigate over the course of their lives. Amy shows that one can excel both as a mother and a professional, even in the face of life’s challenges like divorce and relocation.

Her example has no doubt helped shape Paige Bueckers into not just a world-class athlete but also a grounded, intelligent, and thoughtful young woman.

Conclusion

Amy Dettbarn may not be a celebrity in the traditional sense, but her influence reaches far beyond her name. She is a woman of purpose, perseverance, and strength—values that she passed on to her daughter Paige, who continues to shine on the basketball court and in life. Whether known as Amy Dettbarn, Amy Bueckers, or Amy Fuller, she has lived a life full of chapters that reflect courage, dedication, and quiet triumph.

As the mother of one of the most promising players in women’s basketball, Amy’s legacy is already in motion—not just through her daughter’s accolades, but through the values, support, and strength she modeled every step of the way.

This article is brought to you by my blog site: Tricia Sterling: Women of Influence Behind the Name.