Elizabeth Williams signs contract extension with Dream

Chicago Sky guard Jamierra Faulkner (21) , center, drives to the basket while being defended by Atlanta Dream’s Elizabeth Williams (52), right, and Atlanta Dream guard Layshia Clarendon (23) during a game between the Atlanta Dream and Chicago Sky at Phillips Arena, Sunday, May 22, 2016, in Atlanta. The Atlanta Dream defeated Chicago Sky 87-81. BRANDEN CAMP/SPECIAL

Chicago Sky guard Jamierra Faulkner (21) , center, drives to the basket while being defended by Atlanta Dream’s Elizabeth Williams (52), right, and Atlanta Dream guard Layshia Clarendon (23) during a game between the Atlanta Dream and Chicago Sky at Phillips Arena, Sunday, May 22, 2016, in Atlanta. The Atlanta Dream defeated Chicago Sky 87-81. BRANDEN CAMP/SPECIAL

The Atlanta Dream announced Tuesday center Elizabeth Williams signed a multi-year contract extension with the team.

After three years in the WNBA, two spent with the Dream, Williams has 68 regular season games and was named the 2016 WNBA Most Improved Player and 2017 WNBA All-Star.

“I am really thankful for the Atlanta Dream organization,” Williams said in a statement. “They took a chance on me after my rookie year and I’ve had the chance to grow on and off the court ever since. I am really looking forward to building a great culture with this team and in doing so, help bring a championship to Atlanta.”

Williams, who was drafted fourth overall by the Connecticut Sun in 2015 and acquired by the Dream in 2016, averaged 11.2 points, 2.2 blocks and 4.6 rebounds during her two season in Atlanta.

The news of Williams' contract extension comes after the Dream announced Angel McCoughtry would return to the team after a season of rest in February. The Dream also signed free agent guard Renee Montgomery and forward Jessica Breland in February.

“Elizabeth is an excellent shot blocker and rebounder at the defensive end of the floor which allows us to get into transition more quickly,” Dream coach Nicki Collen said in a statement. “Offensively she runs the floor so well and is a consistent threat on the offensive boards. This season we will utilize her in a lot more screening actions because her separation skills are so good.”

The Dream open the 2018 season on May 26 against the Dallas Wings at 6 p.m. at Georgia Tech’s McCamish Pavilion.