The Washington Mystics have a great pool of talent already playing this season. And Kiki Iriafen is no different. The rookie phenom was on an impressive run in her first year of professional basketball. Her journey has been nothing short of a dream. In addition to helping her team sail smoothly, Iriafen broke Mystics star’s all-time rookie record.
After her selection as a 2025 WNBA All-Star, her emotions went into overdrive. Drafted fourth overall out of Stanford, Iriafen recently opened up about her true feelings after learning about her selection.
Kiki Iriafen Gets Candid On Her Reaction After WNBA All-Star Nod
This year’s All-Star Game in Indianapolis was a great celebration for the rookie class, with Iriafen, Citron, and Bueckers joining an elite group. It was only the fourth time since 2000 that three or more rookies got a selection in one season. Iriafen and Citron repped Team Clark, while Bueckers started for Team Collier, which proved to be a thrilling spotlight for the young stars.
However, during her conversation with Sportskeeda’s Mark Medina, the Mystics’ power forward broke down her instant shock after the announcement. According to her, the All-Star nod floored her after she learned the news.
“I was like, ‘No way.’ I was in kind of in shock... didn’t expect to be named an All-Star my rookie season. Then, when I found out that Sonia was an All-Star as well, that made it even more exciting. You don’t really see a lot of rookies make the All-Star. I know that we have a lot this season. But you don’t usually see that happening. So I didn’t really expect that for myself coming in,” she said.
Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen are the first pair of rookie teammates to each have 20 points in the same game in Mystics history 🤩 pic.twitter.com/tdXsWrLbTk
— espnW (@espnW) July 30, 2025
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However, the excitement doubled when she learned her Mystics teammate Sonia Citron also made the cut, alongside Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers. At the same time, it marked a rare moment in WNBA history. That said, just like every other professional athlete, she also wanted to make a name for herself. Iriafen even surpassed Mystics’ legend to set franchise rookie record.
Kiki Iriafen Proving Her Worth In First WNBA Season
Iriafen’s journey to this moment has been all about proving herself. The 6-foot-3 forward has started all 41 games for the Mystics, averaging 13.1 points and 8.6 rebounds in 26.9 minutes. While Citron leads the team in scoring, Iriafen’s been the efficiency queen, shooting a team-best 49.3% from the field.
Kiki Iriafen tonight 🔥
— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) September 1, 2025
• 22 points
• 13 rebounds
• 27 minutes playedpic.twitter.com/XZ28ChXkUB
Additionally, her rebounding skills and versatility have won too many hearts at Washington, even if the team’s 14-27 record kept them out of the playoffs.
“I just wanted to come in and make a name for myself and get my feet wet. So to make an All-Star my first year has been really special,” Iriafen added.
However, the Mystics’ future looks bright, despite missing the postseason. With Citron’s scoring, Iriafen’s all-around game, and Georgia Amoore expected back from injury next year, Washington’s young core is turning heads. Add in multiple draft picks for 2026, and the Mystics are building something special.