Ariel Atkins

Washington Mystics general manager Mike Thibault, Thomas Penson Jr. and Thomas Penson stand beside a framed jersey honoring Nikki McCray-Penson, the Pensons' late mother and wife.

‘A wonderful thing to witness’: Washington Mystics induct the late Nikki McCray-Penson into Hall of Fame

By Jenn Hatfield / August 22, 2023

Former teammates paid tribute to McCray-Penson as current players absorbed a piece of Mystics history

New York Liberty point guard Courtney Vandersloot looks up the court while throwing a no-look cross-court pass in a WNBA game against Washington Mystics wing Brittney Sykes, who is guarding Vandersloot but not looking in the direction of the pass.

Sunday Notes, Week 12: Is Courtney Vandersloot, a superstar, overlooked? Let’s discuss

By Emily Adler / August 20, 2023

Every superteam has at least one star who is overshadowed – not underrated – and Courtney Vandersloot is one of a handful of Liberty players in that boat.

Washington Mystics guard Ariel Atkins shoots a left-handed free throw.

Ariel Atkins signs two-year extension with Washington Mystics

By Jenn Hatfield / August 15, 2023

A WNBA champion and All-Star, Atkins has spent her entire career in Washington

New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) shoots during a matchup of top WNBA awards candidates between the Connecticut Sun and the New York Liberty at Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA on May 27, 2023.

The Next’s 2023 WNBA midseason awards

By Emily Adler / July 26, 2023

MVP, Coach of the Year up for grabs; ROY is Boston’s to lose

Washington Mystics guard Ariel Atkins holds her hands in front of her near waist level and makes 3-point signs as she runs up the court.

‘It’s automatic’: How Ariel Atkins became the top 3-point shooter in Mystics history

By Jenn Hatfield / July 15, 2023

Atkins shot past Ivory Latta on Tuesday in the Washington record books

Washington Mystics guard Brittney Sykes rises for a driving right-handed layup as Indiana Fever forward/center Aliyah Boston extends her right arm to contest the shot.

Known for her defense, Brittney Sykes is settling in offensively for Washington Mystics

By Jenn Hatfield / July 8, 2023

Sykes had a career night on Friday and has been on a scoring tear lately

Washington Mystics guard Ariel Atkins runs back on defense and points with her right hand to an unpictured teammate, crediting her for an assist.

Even in defeat, Washington Mystics show newfound consistency, offensive improvement

By Jenn Hatfield / June 26, 2023

Sunday’s scoreboard doesn’t tell the full story of Mystics’ growth this season

On the Washington Mystics bench, forward Elena Delle Donne stands and makes a 3-pointer sign with her right hand; forward Tianna Hawkins sits and claps; and guard Ariel Atkins stands, yells and pumps her fists.

The how and why behind Washington Mystics’ Dawg of the Night award

By Jenn Hatfield / June 20, 2023

‘It’s a teammate who saw something in you that night’

Indiana Fever players huddle in the paint during a game, while Minnesota Lynx players huddle behind them at the free-throw line. A Lynx player is about to take free throws.

Sunday Notes, Week 4: Fever improve, Mercury collapse and a Dojkić breakout

By Emily Adler / June 18, 2023

Our weekly look around the WNBA breaks down the Indiana Fever improving, the Phoenix Mercury falling, and the play of Ivana Dojkić.

Washington Mystics guard Li Meng grins and makes a 3-point sign with her right hand as she runs back on defense.

Playing with ‘supreme confidence,’ Li Meng finds her groove with Washington Mystics

By Jenn Hatfield / June 17, 2023

Li’s shooting has been a difference-maker for a struggling Mystics offense