Allisha Gray Ascends to WNBA All-Star Stardom

Atlanta Dream Guard Showcases All-Around Game and Championship Mentality

Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray is proving to be a dominant force in the WNBA this season, earning her first All-Star starting nod and consistently delivering clutch performances. Her recent surge in play has solidified her reputation as one of the league’s premier talents.

A Star-Studded Performance

Gray demonstrated her offensive prowess in a recent victory against the Golden State Valkyries, sinking multiple off-the-dribble three-pointers and showcasing a refined catch-and-shoot game. Dressed in her signature protective goggles, headband, and tights, Gray’s intense focus was palpable as she led the Dream to a crucial win before a challenging road stretch.

The win marked Gray‘s eighth 20-point game this season, cementing her status as a bona fide WNBA All-Star. I feel like I’m comfortable in my game,” Gray shared. All my hard work is showing. I put in a lot of work during the offseason. I’m having fun.

A Dream’s Leading Light

As the No. 4 pick in the 2017 WNBA Draft, Gray is in her third season with the Dream. Her selection as a starter for Team Collier is historic for the franchise; she is the first Dream All-Star starter since 2018 and only the second player in club history to achieve three All-Star selections.

“All the recognition she’s getting is definitely earned. She puts everything into her craft, she watches film, she’s coachable, and she wants to take her game to the next level.”

—Reshanda Gray, Teammate

Defending Titles and Facing Fierce Competition

Before the All-Star Game, Gray aims to defend her titles in the WNBA Skills Challenge and 3-Point Contest. Last year, she swept both events, a feat previously accomplished by only two other players in league history. This year, she will face stiff competition in the 3-Point Contest, including Sabrina Ionescu and Kelsey Plum. Notably, Caitlin Clark will miss the events due to a right groin injury.

As of July 2025, the Atlanta Dream held a 13-9 record, positioning them fifth in the WNBA standings, a significant turnaround from the previous season which was plagued by injuries and a losing streak. The team’s statistical improvement is notable, ranking fourth in scoring and fifth in assists per game.

A Foundation Built on Dedication

Gray‘s ascent is rooted in years of relentless work and strategic skill development. Her trainer, John Hollman, who has worked with her since 2019, emphasized the importance of her offseason preparation and mental fortitude.

Hollman detailed the intensive training regimen, which included refining her floater, pump fakes, and snatch-dribble moves, despite Gray‘s initial reluctance. She’ll say ‘I hate floaters’,” Hollman recalled. She hates pump fakes and she hates doing snatches. She very much likes to attack the rim hard. He also highlighted their virtual training during the pandemic, where a screen displayed All-Star Lish to cultivate her belief.

Dream coach Karl Smesko praised Gray‘s adaptation to the team’s system. The shot quality that she’s getting is better,” Smesko noted. She’s moving without the ball. She’s finding her opportunities to cut. This freedom and confidence, according to teammate Rhyne Howard, are crucial to her game.

Looking Ahead: The Second Half of the Season

With the All-Star break concluding, Gray is poised to lead the Dream through a demanding schedule, including a challenging road trip. Despite a recent dip in shooting efficiency before the break, Gray remains optimistic about the team’s position in the competitive WNBA landscape. Her trainer, Hollman, believes she has more untapped potential, referring to her as bookbag Lish for her hidden capabilities.