Training camp is officially underway for the Atlanta Dream, and early impressions are already beginning to take shape.

While established veterans have largely met expectations, the real intrigue lies in the performances of second-year players, rookies, and training camp additions competing for roster spots and developmental opportunities.

Through the first three days of camp, several players have begun separating themselves — while others face increasing pressure as competition intensifies.

Here are the early risers and fallers from Dream training camp.

Biggest Riser:

Te-Hina Paopao

Technically, Te-Hina Paopao has already proven she belongs at the WNBA level after playing meaningful minutes last season, but her leadership presence has stood out in camp.

Her shooting ability was never in question, but what has impressed observers most has been her intangibles.

Paopao has been vocal on the court, active in the locker room, and has taken on a mentorship role with younger players adjusting to the speed of the professional game.

Her strong camp performance combined with leadership growth suggests she may be ready to take on an even larger role this season.

Risers:

Taylor Thierry

Taylor Thierry has showcased her athleticism early in camp and is demonstrating the ability to contribute on both ends of the floor.

Her ability to defend multiple positions while also knocking down perimeter shots fits extremely well within the system of head coach Karl Smesko.

As a second-year player, Thierry enters camp with a slight advantage in experience compared to rookies, and she has shown flashes of growth in her overall game.

If camp ended today, she would appear to be in a strong position to secure a roster spot as a 3-and-D wing capable of providing depth.

Sacha Washington

With Brionna Jones currently working back from injury, Sacha Washington has received additional reps early in camp.

That opportunity has worked in her favor.

Washington brings size, interior presence, and the ability to contribute offensively near the basket. She has shown flashes of being able to defend effectively in the paint while also scoring in low-post situations.

For a rookie, additional reps can be extremely valuable, and Washington appears to be making the most of her opportunity.

Laila Phelia

Laila Phelia has shown versatility as a combo guard capable of contributing in multiple areas.

She has played well alongside Paopao and has demonstrated the ability to handle the ball, facilitate offense, and push the pace.

Her ability to dribble, pass, shoot, and defend gives her a well-rounded skillset that could help her carve out a role on the roster.

Among players currently on training camp contracts, Phelia appears to be one of the strongest candidates to secure a guard depth spot.

Fallers

Holly Winterburn

Availability matters — especially in competitive training camp environments.

Holly Winterburn has not yet reported to camp, and missing early evaluation opportunities can make earning a roster spot significantly more difficult.

With strong guard competition already present on the roster, falling behind early may prove costly.

In a camp filled with players competing for limited spots, early impressions are critical.

Indya Nivar

Indya Nivar has not necessarily struggled in camp, but the level of competition among combo guards has been extremely strong.

Players like Bella Fontleroy and Phelia have shown flashes that make the evaluation process more challenging.

Nivar brings athleticism, defensive versatility, rebounding ability, and playmaking instincts — all traits that translate well to the next level.

However, offensive consistency remains the biggest question mark.

At the moment, the competition for guard depth spots appears very tight, and it may ultimately come down to which player best fits the team’s immediate needs.

Final Thoughts

Training camp competitions often evolve quickly, and early impressions can change as players receive more opportunities.

Several young players have already made strong cases for roster consideration, while others may need strong performances later in camp to remain in contention.

The Dream appear to be prioritizing:

• Athleticism
• Versatility
• Shooting
• Defensive effort
• Long-term upside

With roster spots still up for grabs, expect competition to remain intense as camp continues.

More movement on the risers and fallers list is likely as additional practices and scrimmages take place.

Training camp is only just getting started. 🏀