Washington Mystics standouts Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron continue to accomplish feats together in just their second year in the league. Both players were named to the WNBA All-Star Game once again this year. Last season, they became the second pair of rookie teammates ever to become All-Stars. They’ve led their team in respective statistical categories this year: points and steals for Citron and rebounds for Iriafen.
On Thursday, July 2, they had a
media availability, with head coach Sydney Johnson. Iriafen and Citron were then asked what it feels like playing alongside each other. Despite being from different colleges, Iriafen said she loved playing with Citron since she already knows what kind of competitor she is. Meanwhile, Citron shared that she loves having someone she can relate to at the start of her WNBA journey.
“ I absolutely love playing with Sonia. She’s so selfless, and, like, she had almost a quiet 20 points. Like, the way that she plays, she’s just so composed. And obviously, we played against each other in college. So to actually be her teammate, just seeing the way that she’s so consistent, she’s so level-headed, I feel like I try to, you know, emulate that as well. She’s a role model for me. But we’re always talking, we’re always communicating,” Iriafen said. (0:03)
“I love playing with Kiki. She’s an amazing player, an amazing person. And like she said, we were talking about just before the game, like our nerves, like our first starts, and we get to do it together. And it’s just really cool to have someone like that by your side. You know, like she reassured me, like, ‘You’re good, you’re gonna do great,'” Citron replied. (0:53)
The Washington franchise is aiming to crack the playoffs this year since they did not qualify last season. They had a 16-28 overall record then, but they have started the 2026 campaign better with a current 10-9 record. While they work toward making postseason play, both Iriafen and Citron are expected to suit up in the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game on July 25 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.
Kiki Iriafen credits the Washington Mystics veterans for allowing rookies like her to grow
In the same press conference, Kiki Iriafen elaborated on the Washington Mystics’ veteran players. Coach Sydney Johnson’s team is relatively young, with an average age of 24, headlined by Iriafen and Sonia Citron. But Iriafen credits her veterans, such as 27-year-old Michaela Onyenwere and 26-year-old Shakira Austin, for building a culture that allows young talent like her to grow.
“ I’d say our vets as well, they’re pouring so much confidence into us and telling us to take shots, telling us to make plays. So I would just say this whole environment allows us to thrive because we’re not afraid to make mistakes,” Iriafen shared. (0:36)
Also Read:
3X Champion Candace Parker Compares Former College Stars Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen to Elite WNBA Pairings
Sonia Citron’s Boyfriend Marist Liufau Calls Her “The Greatest” After Mystics Star’s Clutch Genius in 4OT Thriller vs Fire
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