Atwell's Professional Basketball Career: From WNBA to WNBL Success
The journey of a professional athlete is often marked by resilience and a constant drive for improvement. For Atwell, this path has spanned multiple leagues and continents, showcasing a versatile skill set and a knack for high-scoring performances. From the high-pressure environment of the WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) to the competitive courts of Australia's WNBL (Women's National Basketball League) and NBL1, Atwell has established herself as a formidable presence in women's basketball.
Key Facts
- WNBA Draft: Selected 27th overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in 2022.
- Championship Success: Led the Bendigo Braves to the NBL1 South and NBL1 National championships in 2023.
- Career Highs: Recorded 36 points in a single WNBL game and 47 points in an NBL1 West preliminary final.
- Leadership: Served as vice captain and co-captain for the Perth Lynx.
- Recent Move: Signed with the University of Canberra Capitals for the 2026–27 WNBL season.
WNBA Experience
Atwell's entry into the premier women's league began in 2022 when the Los Angeles Sparks selected her in the third round of the WNBA draft. She successfully made the opening night roster and earned her first career start on May 6 against the Chicago Sky. However, her initial stint was brief, as she was waived on June 7, 2022, after appearing in four games.
After a hiatus from the league, Atwell returned to the WNBA spotlight in 2024. Following a training camp invite from the Phoenix Mercury in April, she rejoined the team in September on a seven-day contract. She debuted against the Washington Mystics, contributing two points in four minutes. Due to her performance, the Mercury extended her contract twice, eventually keeping her for the remainder of the season leading into the playoffs. In February 2025, she signed another training camp deal with the Mercury but was waived before the camp commenced.
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Dominance in the WNBL and NBL1
While the WNBA provided high-level exposure, Atwell found significant success and leadership roles in Australia. She signed with the Perth Lynx for the 2022–23 WNBL season, where she averaged 13 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, including a standout 27-point performance in January 2023.
NBL1 Championship Glory
In 2023, Atwell joined the Bendigo Braves of the NBL1 South. Her impact was immediate and profound, leading the team to the NBL1 South championship. She was named the Grand Final MVP after scoring 36 points, grabbing eight rebounds, and providing two assists in an 83–78 victory over the Waverley Falcons. This momentum carried the Braves to the NBL1 National championship, and Atwell was honored as part of the NBL1 National Finals All-Star Five.
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Leadership and Resilience with the Perth Lynx
Atwell's relationship with the Perth Lynx grew as she re-signed for the 2023–24 season and was named team vice captain. During this period, she achieved a career-high 36 points and seven 3-pointers in a win against the UC Capitals. She continued this form in the grand final series against the Southside Flyers, scoring 30 points and a career-high nine 3-pointers in Game 1, though the Lynx eventually lost the series 2–1.
Returning for the 2024–25 season, Atwell was elevated to co-captain alongside Anneli Maley. Her season was hampered by a knee injury that caused her to miss the first seven games. After returning in December, she underwent post-season surgery and spent the winter recovering. Despite these challenges, she returned as co-captain for the 2025–26 season, helping the Lynx reach the WNBL grand final series, where they fell 2–0 to the Townsville Fire.
Recent Transitions
Atwell continued to showcase her scoring prowess in the NBL1 West with the Rockingham Flames during the 2026 season. In a heartbreaking preliminary final loss to the Warwick Senators (90–86 in overtime), Atwell put up a massive 47 points. Most recently, on May 14, 2026, she signed with the University of Canberra Capitals for the 2026–27 WNBL season.
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Career Performance Summary
| League/Team | Key Achievement/Stat | Notable Season/Year |
|---|---|---|
| WNBA (LA Sparks) | Drafted 27th Overall | 2022 |
| NBL1 South (Bendigo Braves) | Grand Final MVP & National Champion | 2023 |
| WNBL (Perth Lynx) | Career-high 36 points (single game) | 2023–24 |
| NBL1 West (Rockingham Flames) | 47 points in Preliminary Final | 2026 |
| WNBL (UC Capitals) | New Signing | 2026–27 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Atwell drafted into the WNBA?
Atwell was selected by the Los Angeles Sparks in the third round (27th overall) of the 2022 WNBA draft.
What are Atwell's biggest achievements in the NBL1?
Atwell led the Bendigo Braves to both the NBL1 South and NBL1 National championships in 2023, earning the NBL1 South Grand Final MVP award and a spot in the NBL1 National Finals All-Star Five.
What leadership roles has Atwell held in the WNBL?
Atwell served as the vice captain for the Perth Lynx during the 2023–24 season and later served as co-captain for the 2024–25 and 2025–26 seasons.
What is Atwell's highest scoring game in the NBL1?
Atwell scored 47 points in a preliminary final for the Rockingham Flames in the NBL1 West during the 2026 season.
Which team will Atwell play for in the 2026–27 WNBL season?
Atwell signed with the University of Canberra Capitals for the 2026–27 WNBL season on May 14, 2026.