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Ariel Atkins

Ariel Atkins – WNBA News, Rumors & Updates, Stats

Who is Ariel Atkins?

Ariel Atkins is a talented guard for the Washington Mystics, known for her defensive toughness, clutch shooting, and leadership. Since being drafted in 2018, Atkins has quickly become one of the best two-way guards in the league. She is a WNBA Champion, a multiple-time All-Defensive Team member, and a consistent scoring option for the Mystics.

Ariel Atkins – Quick Facts

Detail Information
Full Name Ariel Atkins
Born July 30, 1996 (Age: 29)
Hometown Dallas, Texas
Height 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Position Guard
College University of Texas (2014–2018)
WNBA Draft 2018 – 1st Round, 7th Overall by Washington Mystics
Current Team Washington Mystics
Jersey Number #7
Notable Achievements WNBA Champion (2019), Olympic Gold Medalist (2020), WNBA All-Star (2021)
Social Media @iamarielatkins on Instagram

Early Life & College Career

Ariel Atkins was born on July 30, 1996, in Dallas, Texas. She grew up playing basketball at a young age and became a standout at Duncanville High School, a powerhouse program in Texas. Her speed, defensive energy, and ability to score in transition made her one of the top recruits in the nation.

Atkins committed to the University of Texas (2014–2018), where she played for the Longhorns. She made an immediate impact with her athleticism and scoring ability.

  • Across her college career, she averaged 12.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game.

  • As a senior in 2017–18, she had her best year: 14.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.5 steals per game, while shooting 53% from the field and 43% from three.

  • She earned All-Big 12 honors and was recognized as one of the top defensive guards in the country.

Her strong performance at Texas made her a first-round WNBA draft prospect.

WNBA Career

Ariel Atkins was selected 7th overall in the 2018 WNBA Draft by the Washington Mystics. She made an immediate impact as a rookie, averaging 11.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists while playing lockdown defense.

  • 2018 Rookie Season: Named to the WNBA All-Rookie Team.

  • 2019: Helped lead the Mystics to the 2019 WNBA Championship, starting alongside Natasha Cloud and Kristi Toliver in the backcourt. Atkins’ defense and timely shooting were key during the Finals against the Connecticut Sun.

  • 2020–2022: Continued to be one of the most reliable players in the league, averaging double-digit scoring every season. She also earned multiple WNBA All-Defensive Team selections.

  • 2021: Made her first WNBA All-Star appearance.

  • 2023: Remained a core piece of the Mystics’ lineup, providing veteran leadership and strong perimeter defense.

Through her career, Atkins has averaged around 12.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, while shooting efficiently and being trusted in clutch moments.

International Career – Team USA

Ariel Atkins has also represented Team USA at the international level.

  • She was part of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics roster, where Team USA won the gold medal.

  • Known for her defensive presence, she added depth and versatility to the guard rotation on a stacked roster.

    Career Highlights & Achievements

    • WNBA Champion (2019 – Washington Mystics)

    • WNBA All-Star (2021)

    • Multiple WNBA All-Defensive Team selections (2019, 2020, 2022)

    • WNBA All-Rookie Team (2018)

    • Olympic Gold Medalist (Tokyo 2020, Team USA)