Perth Lynx star Amy Atwell is back in the WNBA after signing contract with Phoenix Mercury

Perth Lynx star Amy Atwell’s dream to return to the WNBA has come true after she signed a short term contract with Phoenix Mercury. Atwell debuted for the Mercury against Washington Mystics on Friday morning, scoring two points from four minutes in the 13-point loss. The star shooter signed a seven-day contract just weeks after winning a bronze medal for Australia at the Olympics in Paris. She remained overseas for a short holiday after that success, then flew to back to Australia before racing to the US to be available for the clash against Washington. Los Angeles Sparks drafted Atwell in 2022 and she played only four games before having her contract waived. The 26-year-old returned to WA and became an integral part of the Lynx where her three-point shooting helped to lift the team into last season’s grand final. Lynx General Manager Samantha Macpherson said Atwell had earned all of her recent success. “We are so proud of her,” Macpherson said. “It’s amazing that she has received this opportunity. It will be so good for development as both a player and a person. We were really excited when Phoenix invited her to their training camp during the pre-season and getting called back now shows that you always have to be ready. “It’s a testament to the work she’s done. Amy always takes every opportunity. We know she will grab this with both hands like she has with everything else that has come her way.” Phoenix have already clinched a play-off spot and will face former Lynx captain Sami Whitcomb’s Seattle Storm on Sunday. Clubs can sign players for up to three seven-day contracts to cover for injuries. But with the regular season ending on September 20, the league’s rules demand the Mercury must make a final call on Atwell’s future before September 12.