A two-time WNBA All-Star and shooting guard for the Washington Mystics, Ariel Atkins has made a resounding name for herself in the league as a key player. Drafted 7th overall in the 2018 WNBA draft, Atkins brought her team to victory, and earned the USA gold at the 2021 Olympics. Here’s everything to know about the inspirational athlete, from her athletic accolades to her community activism.
Who Is Ariel Atkins?
Born in Dallas, Texas, on July 30th, 1996, Atkins attended Duncanville High School in her hometown. As a senior, she was averaging 17.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.8 steals and 3.9 assists as the starting guard. She led Duncanville to a 35-1 record and the Texas UIL Class 5A state title game. This caught the attention of many college recruiters, choosing to enroll in the University of Texas. While playing college basketball, she received her BA in Sports Management, with a minor in Business.
Her degree has helped her build a solid foundation for her activism, using resources from her successful WNBA career thus far to run the nonprofit Ariel Atkins Foundation. The organization is devoted to uplifting the community through youth development. It provides young people with support, resources, and opportunities. She also offers mentorship through VOICEINSPORT, hoping to give back all that she can to aspiring female athletes in middle school, high school and college.
Her WNBA Career
After her first round draft by the Washington Mystics, she aided in them reaching their first championship in 2019, defeating the Connecticut Sun 3-2. She shines bright as a starter. Atkins became a two-time WNBA All-Star and named to the All-Defensive Second Team three times in three career seasons. In August 2023, she signed a multi-year extension to stay in Washington with the Mystics.
During the WNBA’s off-season, she brought her talents overseas to play for teams in Australia, Poland, Turkey and Ukraine. She also received the honor of representing the USA at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Japan, named to the 12-player roster that won gold.
Where did Ariel Atkins go to college?
A Texas native, Ariel Atkins attended the University of Texas from 2014 to 2018. At the University of Texas, she earned a spot as a conference first teamer — twice.
How much does Ariel Atkins make?
With six years of WNBA experience under her belt, her reported salary for the 2024 season is $200,000.