Ariel Atkins

Washington Mystics guard Brittney Sykes extends her right arm to steal a lateral pass from a Connecticut Sun player.

Washington Mystics guard Brittney Sykes is chasing 100 steals — and WNBA history

By Jenn Hatfield / September 2, 2023

Sykes, the two-time reigning steals champion, has been even more dangerous defensively this season

Washington Mystics forward Elena Delle Donne runs downcourt. She is looking to her right and smiling broadly.

With Elena Delle Donne’s return, Washington Mystics find joy and focus

By Jenn Hatfield / August 27, 2023

‘To have the whole group out there felt so good, and I think you could just see it’

Washington Mystics center/forward Shakira Austin reaches with her right hand to contest a left-handed layup by New York Liberty guard Courtney Vandersloot.

How the Washington Mystics are evolving late in the season as stars get healthy

By Jenn Hatfield / August 26, 2023

Mystics race to recapture on-court chemistry as clock ticks down to playoffs

Locked on Women’s Basketball: Washington Mystics induct Nikki McCray-Penson into Hall of Fame, injury update

By The Next / August 22, 2023

Natalie and Jenn discuss Nikki McCray-Penson’s legacy, Hall of Fame ceremony and Mystics injury update

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