Ariel Atkins Injury Update: What Happened to the Chicago Sky Star?
The Chicago Sky suffered a major setback in their recent clash against the Minnesota Lynx when Ariel Atkins, the team's leading scorer, exited the game with a leg injury late in the first half. Atkins, who had just two points in 15 minutes after a stellar 27-point performance in the previous game, was visibly in pain after a drive and did not return to the court.
The Sky promptly announced that she would be out for the remainder of the game, leaving fans and analysts concerned about the severity and impact of her injury on the team's season.
The Sky, already thin in guard depth, struggled to recover from her absence, ultimately falling to the Lynx 91–78.
As of now, the full extent of Atkins' injury remains unclear, but the team and fans are hoping it's not as serious as her previous ankle injury in 2023, which sidelined her for several weeks.
Ariel Atkins Stats: 2025 Season and Career Overview
Ariel Atkins has been a consistent force in the WNBA since her debut, known for her scoring, defense, and leadership. Here’s a breakdown of her recent and career statistics:
2025 Season Stats (Chicago Sky)
| GP | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 14.5 | 3.3 | 3.6 | 1.9 | 0.9 | 42.6% | 35.9% |
Career WNBA Stats (Through July 2025)
| Season | Team | GP | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018–24 | Washington | 217 | 13.5 | 3.0 | 2.5 | 1.4 | 0.8 |
| 2025 | Chicago Sky | 20 | 14.5 | 3.3 | 3.6 | 1.9 | 0.9 |
| Total | 237 | 13.5 | 3.0 | 2.5 | 1.4 | 0.8 |
Who Is Ariel Atkins? Background & Personal Journey
Ariel Atkins, born July 30, 1996, in Dallas, Texas, is a prominent American professional basketball player currently with the Chicago Sky in the WNBA. Known for her defensive tenacity and scoring ability, Atkins has built a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable two-way guards.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ariel Atkins |
| Born | July 30, 1996 |
| Position | Guard |
| Height | 5'11" (180 cm) |
| College | University of Texas |
| WNBA Debut | 2018 (Washington Mystics) |
| Current Team | Chicago Sky |
| Major Awards | WNBA Champ, Olympic Gold |
- College: University of Texas (2014–2018)
- WNBA Draft: 7th overall pick, 2018 (Washington Mystics)
- Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
- Position: Guard
Atkins was a standout at Texas, earning All-Big 12 honors and helping the Longhorns reach three NCAA Sweet 16s and an Elite Eight.
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She is also known for her commitment to community and player development, having served as an assistant coach for player development at the University of Michigan during the 2023–24 offseason
Ariel Atkins Achievements: Awards and Honors
Ariel Atkins’ career is decorated with both team and individual accolades, reflecting her impact on and off the court:
- WNBA Champion: 2019 (Washington Mystics)
- Olympic Gold Medalist: Team USA, Tokyo 2020
- 2× WNBA All-Star: 2021, 2022
- 5× WNBA All-Defensive Team: First player in league history to earn this honor in each of her first five seasons
- WNBA All-Rookie Team: 2018
- College All-American: University of Texas
- International Play: Fenerbahce (Turkey), Perth Lynx (Australia), Athletes Unlimited (USA)
Ariel Atkins Career: From College Star to WNBA Leader
College Career
Atkins starred at the University of Texas, where she was a two-time All-Big 12 First Team selection and led her team to multiple NCAA tournament runs. She finished her college career ranked 20th all-time in scoring at Texas with 1,497 points
WNBA Journey
- Washington Mystics (2018–2024): Drafted 7th overall, Atkins quickly became a defensive anchor and key scorer, helping the Mystics win their first-ever WNBA title in 2019.
- Chicago Sky (2025–present): Traded to the Sky in February 2025, Atkins has taken on a leadership role, mentoring young stars and leading the team in scoring
International & Offseason Play
- Played overseas in Poland and Australia.
- Competed in Athletes Unlimited and Unrivaled, two innovative offseason leagues.
- Served as a player development coach at Michigan.
FAQ
Question 1: What is the latest update on Ariel Atkins' injury?
Answer: Ariel Atkins suffered a leg injury during the July 14, 2025, game against the Lynx and did not return. The Sky have not yet released a detailed prognosis.
Question 2: What are Ariel Atkins' 2025 season stats?
Answer: She is averaging 14.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game for the Chicago Sky in 2025.
Question 3: What are Ariel Atkins' biggest career achievements?
Answer: Atkins is a WNBA champion, Olympic gold medalist, two-time All-Star, and has been named to the All-Defensive Team five times
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is based on current reports, stats, and updates as of July 2025. Ariel Atkins' injury status and other details may change as more updates are released. For the latest and most accurate news, please refer to official team announcements and medical reports. The stats and career information provided are subject to updates based on future performances and achievements.
