ATLANTA (January 4, 2017) – Atlanta Dream guard/forward Angel McCoughtry will take time to rest during the 2017 season, as announced through the eight-year veteran and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist’s agent Wednesday.

“After much thought and consideration, I have decided to take some time off,” McCoughtry said. “I know this decision will allow me to come back and play to the best of my ability.” Read full letter here

“Angel has decided to take the time she feel she needs for her long-term health. We respect her decision and look forward to her return,” Dream President Theresa Wenzel said. “Head Coach Michael Cooper and his staff are committed to bringing the best team to the court in 2017. We return some of the best young talent in the league along with several veterans, who will compete for the franchise’s first WNBA title.”

“I know it is a very difficult decision that Angel is making but is one she has to make for herself,” Coach Cooper said. “As head coach of the Dream, I’ll continue to strive to put the best players on the court as we move towards bringing a championship to the city of Atlanta.”

McCoughtry has played her entire career with the Dream after being selected as the No. 1 overall pick out of the University of Louisville in the 2009 WNBA Draft. The prolific-scorer is just 10 points away from 5,000 for her career. She finished the 2016 season averaging 19.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.8 steals, while leading the Dream to the second round of the WNBA Playoffs. She also earned her second Gold Medal as a member of Team USA at the Rio Olympics.

Known for her clutch play, McCoughtry owns four of the seven best scoring games in WNBA Playoff history.

Head Coach Michael Cooper will lead 2016 WNBA Most Improved Player, Elizabeth Williams, Tiffany Hayes, Layshia Clarendon and the Dream as they open the 2017 season Saturday, May 13 at the Connecticut Sun. Atlanta will play its home Opener Sunday, May 21 against the Chicago Sky at its 2017-18 home, McCamish Pavilion on the Georgia Tech campus.