Ariel Atkins

Ariel Atkins (born July 30, 1996) is an American professional basketball player for the Washington Mystics of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).

In addition to her playing career, she serves as a player development coach at the University of Michigan.

during the off-season.

Drafted 7th overall by the Washington Mystics in the 2018 WNBA draft, Atkins quickly established herself as a key player.

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.

She spent the 2018–19 season with InvestInTheWest ENEA Gorzów Wielkopolski in Poland and played for the Perth Lynx in Australia during the 2019–20 off-season.

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 4 selections to the WNBA All-Defensive Team so far in her 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.

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.

Atkins has also played internationally.