Sonia Citron Shines as Washington Mystics Select

The 2025 WNBA Draft delivered excitement and fresh talent to the league, with Sonia Citron emerging as one of the night’s brightest stars. The Washington Mystics secured the Notre Dame guard with the third overall pick, marking a pivotal moment for both the franchise and Citron’s rising career. Here’s a deep dive into her journey, strengths, and what this means for the Mystics.  

A Historic Night for Sonia Citron and the Mystics  

The 2025 WNBA Draft, held in New York City on April 14, saw Paige Bueckers (Dallas Wings) and Dominique Malonga (Seattle Storm) go first and second overall. But all eyes quickly turned to Washington when the Mystics selected Sonia Citron at No. 3, making her the highest-drafted Notre Dame player since Skylar Diggins-Smith in 2013 .  


Citron, a 6-foot-1 guard, leaves Notre Dame as one of the most decorated players in program history. She joins a Mystics team eager to rebuild after a 14-26 season and a playoff miss in 2024 . With guard depth a glaring weakness—only Jade Melbourne, Sug Sutton, and Brittney Sykes are under contract—Sonia Citron Shines as Washington Mystics Select Pick in 2025 WNBA Draft is poised to become an immediate starter .  

Citron’s College Legacy: A Record-Breaking Career

Sonia Citron Shines as Washington Mystics Select Pick in 2025 WNBA Draft four-year stint at Notre Dame was nothing short of legendary. Here’s a snapshot of her achievements:  

- 1,774 career points (11th in program history).  

- 714 rebounds and 311 assists, making her the only Notre Dame player ever to hit 1,700+ points, 700+ rebounds, and 300+ assists .  

- 3x All-ACC First Team selection and ACC Rookie of the Year in 2022.  

- Elite defense: Named to the All-ACC Defensive Team and praised for locking down opponents’ top scorers .  

Her senior year stats—14.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game—underscore her consistency, even as she shared the spotlight with younger stars like Hannah Hidalgo .  

Why the Mystics Chose Citron 

Washington’s decision to draft Sonia Citron Shines as Washington Mystics Select Pick in 2025 WNBA Draft reflects a strategic focus on versatility and reliability. Here’s what she brings to the table:  

1. Elite Shooting and Efficiency  

Sonia Citron Shines as Washington Mystics Select Pick in 2025 WNBA Draft shot 48.4% from the field and 38.1% from three-point range in her final season, showcasing her ability to thrive as an off-ball scorer. Her 89% free-throw accuracy also makes her a late-game asset .  

2. Defensive Toughness 

Standing at 6-foot-1, Citron uses her length and instincts to guard multiple positions. Her defensive IQ earned her comparisons to WNBA stalwarts like Jewell Loyd and Jackie Young, both Notre Dame alumni .  

3. Winning Pedigree  

Sonia Citron Shines as Washington Mystics Select Pick in 2025 WNBA Draft helped Notre Dame secure two ACC regular-season titles and a Sweet 16 appearance in 2025. Her experience in high-pressure games aligns with the Mystics’ need for clutch performers .

Challenges Ahead 

While Citron’s upside is clear, analysts note areas for growth:  

- Creating her own shot: She often relied on teammates like Olivia Miles (now at TCU) to generate open looks .  

- WNBA physicality: Adjusting to faster, stronger opponents could test her early .  

Still, her basketball IQ and work ethic suggest she’ll adapt quickly. As Mystics GM Mike Thibault noted, “Sonia Citron Shines as Washington Mystics Select Pick in 2025 WNBA Draft a winner. She does the little things that turn games around” .  

Mystics’ Draft Strategy: Building for the Future  

Washington didn’t stop at Sonia Citron Shines as Washington Mystics Select Pick in 2025 WNBA Draft. With the No. 4 and No. 6 picks, they added USC forward Kiki Iriafen (18.0 points, 8.4 rebounds per game) and Kentucky guard Georgia Amoore (19.6 points, 6.9 assists), forming a dynamic rookie trio .  


Iriafen’s inside presence and Amoore’s playmaking will complement Citron’s perimeter game, giving the Mystics a balanced attack. Amoore, dressed by NBA star Russell Westbrook on draft night, brings international flair from her Australian roots .  

What’s Next for Sonia Citron

Citron’s transition to the WNBA will hinge on her ability to expand her role. In college, she thrived as a secondary scorer, but Washington may ask her to take on more ball-handling duties. Her experience playing alongside elite guards like Hidalgo and Miles—a projected top-2 pick before transferring—prepares her for this challenge .  

Fans can expect her to model her game after Notre Dame alumni like Arike Ogunbowale and Diggins-Smith, who’ve starred in the league. “I’ve learned from the best,” Citron said at the draft. “Now it’s time to prove myself” .  

A New Era for Washington 

The Mystics’ 2025 draft class signals a commitment to youth and versatility. With Citron leading the charge, the team aims to return to playoff contention. As head coach Eric Thibault put it, “Sonia’s the kind of player who makes everyone around her better. We’re excited to see her grow” .  


For Citron, this is just the beginning. From South Bend to Washington, her journey embodies resilience and excellence—a story WNBA fans won’t want to miss.