Ariel Atkins
Ariel Atkins is an American professional basketball player for the Chicago Sky of the Women's National Basketball Association and Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball. In addition to her playing career, she served as a player development coach at the University of Michigan during the 2023–24 NCAA Division I women's [basketball season|2023–2024] off-season.
Drafted 7th overall by the Washington Mystics in the 2018 WNBA draft, Atkins quickly established herself as a key player. She helped lead the Mystics to the WNBA Finals in her debut season and was a pivotal figure in their 2019 WNBA Championship victory. Atkins' defensive prowess earned her 5 selections to the WNBA All-Defensive Team. She is the first, and as of 2025, the only player to do so in her first five years in the league.
In 2021, Atkins won her first Olympic Gold medal with Team USA at the 2020 Summer Olympics.
College career
Born in Dallas, Texas, Atkins attended Duncanville in Duncanville, Texas. She played college basketball at the University of Texas, where she was recognized for her athletic performance, academic achievements, community service, and leadership.Professional career
WNBA
Washington Mystics (2018–2024)
At the 2018 WNBA draft, Atkins was drafted by the Washington Mystics in the first round, as the seventh overall pick. Atkins would join a Mystics line-up alongside players such as Elena Delle Donne, Kristi Toliver & Natasha Cloud. In August 2018, Atkins was named to the All-Defensive Second Team in her debut season. Later in September 2018, Atkins was also named to the All-Rookie Team.On October 10, 2019, Atkins and the Mystics took home their first WNBA Championship after defeating the Connecticut Sun, 3–2. In September 2020, Atkins was named to the All-Defensive Second Team for the third time in her three career seasons.
In August 2023, Atkins signed a multi-year extension to stay in Washington with the Mystics.