Bigger, better and stronger, Amy Atwell is primed for another crack at the WNBA.
Two years ago, the 25-year-old guard was drafted from the University of Hawaii by Los Angeles Sparks with pick 27, played four games and started in one before being waived.
Now, the sharpshooter has a second chance with the Phoenix Mercury, where many Aussies have come before her, and says she is more physically and mentally prepared to play in the biggest league on the planet.
"It feels good to be back, definitely still a bit nerve wracking coming in on day one but it feels better than it did two years ago. I feel more confident and like I belong," Atwell told ESPN after the first day of the Mercury's training camp in San Diego on Tuesday.
"Two years ago, it was a bit like being thrown in the deep end and having to swim. Obviously, it was a dream come true being drafted and playing in the WNBA.
DAY ONE BABY. TURN ME UP. pic.twitter.com/wrFXvXoL4m
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) April 30, 2024
"Before that point I thought was ready for the WNBA, then got there and realised how not ready I was. The difference between college and the WNBA is crazy - the athletes, the physicality, the IQ. Everything is a whole step up that I kind of didn't expect.
"It was a huge jump and I think in the end I realised I wasn't as ready as I thought which is why it kind of ended the way it did, but I definitely feel more prepared this time."
Atwell returns to the U.S. a more seasoned player who has fine tuned her skill set and sharpened her most lethal weapon, her three ball.
She's played the past two WNBL seasons with Perth Lynx, and was second in the league for scoring with 18.8 points per game, 40.1 percent from deep, in 2023-24. She rose to the big occasion with a stunning nine triples, at 64 percent, in Game 1 of the WNBL Grand Final series.
The West Australian native has also represented Australia, winning a bronze medal with the Opals at the 2023 FIBA Asia Cup, and played for the national 3x3 team on the global stage.
"In college you've got a lot of things going on with school and basketball but over the past two seasons I've been able to fully focus and dedicate myself to improving on the court and off the court with my body, in the weight room," Atwell explains.
"The experience of playing professional basketball against seasoned elite athletes, the best in Australia and some of the best from around the world has all really helped me develop and improve."
Confidence is key to Atwell's game and something she's also worked hard on building.
"It's a huge thing. Confidence plays a part in every player's game but as a shooter definitely a bit more. It's something I've had to work on throughout my career and haven't always been the best at either.
"For me it's about being able to walk into a room, even at training camp, and having belief in my ability. I know that I can shoot the hell out of the ball and there's confidence in knowing that's my strength, that's what I've got to show and that's what I've for years been working on doing at the very best level.
"It's why I'm recruited and get opportunities, it's my shooting ability that separates me and having that belief and knowing that's what's probably got me most places and will hopefully keep opening up doors for me."
Upon arriving in the desert, Atwell has linked up with fellow Aussies, Opal Bec Allen, draftee Jaz Shelley and new assistant General Manager Fleur McIntyre, who have also joined the Phoenix, and is getting used to calling legends of the game Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner teammates.
"It's a bit of a pinch-me moment," she laughs.
"It's funny because I met them and was like 'geez I've been watching you for so long' they are absolute legends who have done so much for the sport and they walk over and say 'hey I'm Brittney, nice to meet you.'
"I'm super grateful to be here and around once-in-a-generation players with that kind of knowledge and experience."
Phoenix play Seattle Storm (May 8) and the Sparks (May 11) in preseason games before opening their 2024 campaign on the 15th against reigning back-to-back champs Las Vegas Aces.