Ariel Atkins

Washington Mystics guard Ariel Atkins sits on the court and claps her hands. Teammates Karlie Samuelson, Aaliyah Edwards and Stefanie Dolson yell in celebration, and Samuelson extends her hands to help Atkins up.

Defenses are throwing everything at Ariel Atkins. Here’s how the Mystics star hit her stride

By Jenn Hatfield / June 21, 2024

Atkins: ‘If I see an opening, I’m gonna take a shot’

Washington Mystics wings DiDi Richards and Karlie Samuelson face each other. They smile and shimmy, and Richards sticks her tongue out.

How DiDi Richards has put her stamp on Washington Mystics’ starting lineup introductions

By Jenn Hatfield / June 19, 2024

Karlie Samuelson: ‘You can rely on DiDi for anything fun’

Washington Mystics guard Julie Vanloo reaches her right arm out to the side to high-five center Stefanie Dolson, who is walking toward her.

‘We got the lid off’: Washington Mystics relieved to end 0-12 start

By Jenn Hatfield / June 13, 2024

And Brittney Sykes returns — then departs with another injury

Washington Mystics point guard Jade Melbourne yells in celebration after two quick 2-pointers. She points two fingers on each hand down at the ground.

21-year-old Jade Melbourne is a quick study for Washington Mystics

By Jenn Hatfield / June 11, 2024

Shatori Walker-Kimbrough: ‘I forget how young she is because of her composure’

Washington Mystics point guard Julie Vanloo talks to four of her teammates and uses her right hand to point away from their huddle. Her teammates have various serious expressions on their faces.

What the record doesn’t tell you about Washington Mystics’ 0-11 start

By Jenn Hatfield / June 8, 2024

They’ve hung around in almost every game, but it’s on to the next one

Washington Mystics players huddle near the free-throw line before a game.

Washington Mystics miffed at WNBA charter flight program’s uneven rollout

By Jenn Hatfield / May 20, 2024

Cross-country flights were expected to be prioritized for charters before full charter program takes effect

Washington Mystics center/forward Shakira Austin has her feet in a wide base and her body squared up to defend New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart, who operates in the post with her back to the basket.

Back from injury, Washington’s Shakira Austin seizes her chance at a bigger role

By Jenn Hatfield / May 16, 2024

Eric Thibault: ‘She took charge of her own future’

Washington Mystics guard Ariel Atkins is shown from behind, pointing her right index finger.

How coaching at Michigan is helping Ariel Atkins lead the Washington Mystics

By Jenn Hatfield / May 4, 2024

‘When you become a coach, you have to find your voice’

Washington Mystics guard Ariel Atkins dribbles with her left hand toward the rim. Center/forward Shakira Austin sets a screen for her, facing the middle of the court.

2024 WNBA season preview: Washington Mystics

By Jenn Hatfield / May 1, 2024

Ariel Atkins: ‘Everybody knows it’s different. But I think it’s OK’

Team USA center/forward Shakira Austin shoots a close-range shot with her right hand.

Mystics’ Shakira Austin gives positive injury update, possible timeline for return

By Jenn Hatfield / April 6, 2024

Washington’s frontcourt star said she’s ‘ahead of schedule’ after hip surgery