Ariel Atkins was the last one standing. The final piece from the Washington Mystics’ 2019 championship squad. For five whole seasons, she stuck with the same franchise. Loyal. Consistent. But then before the 2025 season could even tip off, the Mystics decided it was time to move on. A tough call..sure. But one they believed would pay off in the long run. And well, that’s how Atkins found herself in Chicago.
Now, she’s teaming up with none other than Courtney Vandersloot in what’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting backcourts this season. And you just know Atkins is going to leave everything on the floor. Because for her, it’s never just about basketball. It’s always been about the people, the community, and the circle she keeps close. That unshakable mindset—it didn’t just appear out of nowhere. It came from the ones who raised her.
Who is Ariel Atkins’s father, Byron Atkins?
Byron Atkins, Ariel’s dad, owns a chicken and fish restaurant. Not just any food joint, a special one for the baller as this place was the go-to hangout spot for Ariel and her teammates back when she was growing up. A cozy little hub that served up food and homely vibes.
It wasn’t just about the meals though. That place became a little symbol of togetherness, of team spirit, and of always having a space to belong. Now we totally get why Ariel always talks about valuing community so deeply. It’s what she’s known since day one.
Who is Ariel Atkins’s mother, LaShonda Atkins?
The real MVP behind Ariel’s game is her mom, LaShonda Atkins. A hairstylist by profession, LaShonda kept Ariel’s basketball journey in check. Whenever Ariel found herself without a consistent coach, it was her drawing up plays and pushing her daughter to go all in.
From a very young age, Ariel had a natural flair for the game. Her parents saw it. They nurtured it. They cheered for it from the front row. Ariel attended Duncanville High School in Texas. Then, she went on to earn a scholarship to the University of Texas at Austin, where she left her mark. Two-time All-Conference first-team selection, Elite Eight in 2016 and Three NCAA Sweet 16 runs. She wrapped up her college career as the 20th highest scorer in Longhorns history with 1,497 points. Then came the pros.
The Washington Mystics picked her 7th overall in the 2018 WNBA Draft. By 2019, she had helped bring a championship home. But her biggest flex was defense. Atkins became the first player in WNBA history to be named to an All-Defensive team in each of her first five seasons.
In just her third season, 2020, she made her first U.S. Olympic roster. When she got the news, Ariel didn’t even know how to react. She laughed. Then she cried. It all came rushing back—the early morning gym sessions, the two-a-days, the late-night film breakdowns, the string bean arms after hundreds of shots.
“It was just one of those, like, surreal moments, because it’s definitely something that you want and strive for,” Atkins said. “Me being on the U.S. national team is top tier. It’s always the best of the best, it’s always been the best of the best, and it’s a very hard team to make.” So what did she do next? She picked up the phone and called her parents and thanked them. Texted everyone who ever stood by her. Because none of it would’ve been possible without that support system.
“Growing up, that’s just who she’s been. She’s always had, I guess, a maturity about herself that’s just beyond her age,” says LaShonda Atkins. “I know my mother-in-law used to look at our family photo albums and she would say, ‘She’s gonna be the glue.’ She was always pointing at her saying she’s always the strong one. It’s just who she was.”
Even when Ariel couldn’t attend her Hall of Honor ceremony in 2021 because she was playing overseas, her family showed up on her behalf, with pride in their eyes and joy in their hearts. “(I’m) just super thankful for my circle and my support system,” she said. “They really pushed me to be just a better human overall.”
But it wasn’t just her parents standing beside her all this while.
Does Ariel Atkins have any siblings?
Ariel has got two siblings who’ve been part of her backbone since day one. There’s her older sister, Jessica Atkins, and her younger brother, Byron Atkins Jr. Jessica’s the big sis with all the wisdom and grounding energy. Ariel’s spoken about how much Jessica’s guidance helped her stay true to herself, especially when the fame started knocking.
And then there’s Byron Jr., who dabbled in the athletic world too, though he’s stayed a little more low-key compared to his WNBA star sister. But still, Ariel gives him props for being part of the family team that’s always kept her balanced.
What is Ariel Atkins’s parents’ nationality?
Ariel Atkins’ parents are American.
240209 FIBA WOQT ANTWERP Day 2 / Nigeria vs USA Ariel Atkins of USA pictured during a basketball game between the womens national teams of Nigeria and USA at the FIBA Women s Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024 in Antwerp on February 9, 2024 in Antwerp, Belgium. Photo by Maarten Straetemans/Isosport ANTWERP BELGIUM PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxBELxUKxUSA Copyright: xx 436819
So, all in all, from early-morning workouts to Olympic glory, from a family restaurant in Texas to the bright lights of Chicago, Ariel Atkins’ journey has never been a solo act. For Ariel, basketball’s always been bigger than the game. It’s about who she plays for. Her story is stitched together with love. As she gears up for a brand-new chapter with the Sky, we already know…she’s bringing her circle, her roots, and that fierce community spirit with her.
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