Aussies in the WNBA: Amy Atwell

• Drafted 27th overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2022 WNBA Draft
• Led Perth Lynx to 2023-24 WNBL Grand Finals with record-breaking three-point shooting
• Bronze medallist with the Australian Opals at the 2024 Paris Olympics

Amy Atwell is a sharpshooting Australian guard who has made her mark in the WNBL and represented her country at the highest level.

Key Details

Name: Amy Atwell
Age: 26
Team(s): Perth Lynx (WNBL), Phoenix Mercury (WNBA)
Position: Shooting Guard
Size: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight: 165 lb (75 kg)

Playing style

Amy Atwell is renowned for her exceptional three-point shooting ability, which has become the cornerstone of her game. Her quick release and deep range make her a constant threat from beyond the arc, forcing defenders to guard her closely and creating spacing for her teammates. Atwell's shooting prowess is complemented by her ability to move without the ball, consistently finding open spots on the perimeter for catch-and-shoot opportunities.

While primarily known for her outside shooting, Atwell has worked to develop other aspects of her offensive game. She has shown improvement in her ability to put the ball on the floor and attack closeouts, utilising a solid first step to create separation for mid-range jumpers or drive to the basket. Her size and strength for a guard also allow her to post up smaller defenders when the opportunity arises.

Career

Atwell's journey to professional basketball began at the University of Hawaii, where she developed into one of the program's most prolific scorers. Her college career culminated in a stellar senior season in 2021-22, during which she was named Big West Player of the Year and led Hawaii to the NCAA Tournament. This performance caught the attention of WNBA scouts, leading to her selection by the Los Angeles Sparks in the third round of the 2022 WNBA Draft.

Although Atwell's initial WNBA stint with the Sparks was brief, she quickly found success in Australia's WNBL with the Perth Lynx. Her first full season with the Lynx in 2022-23 showed promise, but it was in the 2023-24 campaign that Atwell truly broke out. She emerged as one of the league's premier shooters, setting a new WNBL record with nine three-pointers in a single Finals game. Her sharpshooting was instrumental in propelling the Lynx to the Grand Finals, where they ultimately fell short against the Southside Flyers.

Atwell's performances in the WNBL earned her another opportunity in the WNBA, this time with the Phoenix Mercury in 2024. While her role was limited, the experience gained at the highest level of women's basketball continued to aid her development. Between WNBA seasons, Atwell has also excelled in Australia's NBL1 competition, leading the Bendigo Braves to both the NBL1 South and National championships in 2023.

On the international stage, Atwell's rapid rise culminated in her selection for the Australian Opals team for the 2024 Paris Olympics. As a late addition to the squad, she embraced her role as a specialist shooter off the bench, contributing to Australia's bronze medal-winning performance. This achievement marked Atwell as part of the next generation of Australian basketball talent making an impact on the global stage.

Five Fast Facts

1. Set a WNBL Finals record with nine three-pointers in a single game during the 2023-24 season.
2. Won the NBL1 National championship with the Bendigo Braves in 2023, earning Grand Final MVP honours.
3. Finished her college career as Hawaii's all-time leader in made three-pointers with 205.
4. Grandfather Mal Atwell was a prominent Australian rules football player.
5. Partnered with Perth Lynx teammate Ally Wilson as of 2024.

Career Highlights Timeline

2022: Drafted 27th overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA Draft

2022: Signed with Perth Lynx in the WNBL

2023: Led Bendigo Braves to NBL1 South and National championships, winning Grand Final MVP

2023-24: Set WNBL Finals record with nine three-pointers in a game, led Perth Lynx to Grand Finals

2024: Signed with Phoenix Mercury, making WNBA return

2024: Won bronze medal with Australian Opals at Paris Olympics

Amy Atwell's basketball journey exemplifies the growing pathway for Australian talent in women's basketball. From her roots in Perth to collegiate success in Hawaii, and now as a standout in the WNBL with Olympic experience, Atwell has continuously elevated her game. Her elite shooting ability has made her a valuable asset at every level, culminating in her contribution to Australia's Olympic success.

As Atwell enters the prime of her career, her trajectory suggests there's still more to come. Whether continuing to break records in the WNBL, establishing herself in the WNBA, or representing Australia in future international competitions, Atwell's sharpshooting skills and growing all-around game make her a player to watch in the coming years. Her story not only highlights her individual success but also showcases the strength of Australian women's basketball on the global stage.