The 2025 WNBA Draft has been filled with memorable moments, but none more endearing than ESPN reporter Holly Rowe’s playful remark to Notre Dame guard Sonia Citron.
After Citron was selected third overall by the Washington Mystics, Rowe quipped a playful tweet referencing Citron’s boyfriend, Marist Liufau, who was picked 87th overall by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Holly Rowe Teases Sonia Citron’s WNBA Draft Rank Over Boyfriend’s NFL Spot
On April 15, 2025, the sports world buzzed with excitement as the WNBA Draft unfolded in New York City. Holly Rowe, an ESPN journalist, delivered a funny joke during the celebration that was noticed by everyone.
Talia Goodman, a women’s basketball reporter, shared the moment on X.
Holly Rowe to Sonia Citron: “You got drafted higher than he [her boyfriend] did in the NFL.”
😂😂😂
— Talia Goodman (@TaliaGoodmanWBB) April 15, 2025
The comment referred to Notre Dame star Sonia Citron, who was selected No. 3 overall by the Washington Mystics, and her boyfriend, Dallas Cowboys linebacker Marist Liufau, who had been picked later in the NFL Draft the previous year.
Sonia Citron’s selection at No. 3 in the 2025 WNBA Draft marked a pinnacle in her career. The Notre Dame guard, known for her clutch performances, had averaged 14.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.
Her draft position placed her among the elite. At the top was Connecticut’s Paige Bueckers. She went No. 1 overall to the Dallas Wings, as reported by ESPN on April 11, 2025. Citron’s moment on stage was emotional as she hugged Liufau, who had traveled to New York to support her.
Marist Liufau, on the other hand, had been drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He was the 87th overall pick. Described as a “long, rangy linebacker who can cover a lot of space quickly,”
However, Rowe’s quip pointed out the stark contrast between their draft positions—Citron’s top-tier pick far surpassed Liufau’s third-round slot, giving her playful bragging rights in their relationship.
Citron and Liufau’s Journey From College Sweethearts to Pro Athletes
Citron and Liufau’s story is one of shared success and mutual support. Both athletes honed their crafts at Notre Dame, where Citron emerged as a standout in women’s basketball, and Liufau became a defensive force on the football field.
Citron’s college career was filled with highlight-reel moments, like her miracle three-pointer against North Carolina State on Feb. 23. The shot forced overtime and was captured by Holly Rowe herself, who tweeted a video of it.
HOLY NOTRE DAME! Sonia Citron sends us to OT. ACC Championship on the line. TURN ON ESPN pic.twitter.com/xJ59wXkAp4
— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) February 23, 2025
The shot celebrated widely on ESPN, showcased Citron’s ability to perform under pressure.
Sonia and Marist have a sweet love story in sports. She’s just starting her basketball career with the Mystics after the WNBA Draft while he plays football for the Cowboys.
At Notre Dame, Marist was really fast—he could run the 40-yard dash in 4.64 seconds! The Cowboys thought his speed and natural instincts would help their defense.
2025 WNBA Draft Ultimate Guide to Watching Live: Time, TV Channel, and Streaming Options
During the draft, sports reporter Holly Rowe made a playful comment that got everyone laughing. It’s nice to see how these two athletes support each other while also having some fun competition between them.
They’re both chasing their dreams in different sports but still cheering each other on along the way.
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