The Rookie of the Year is quite a prestigious award. More so, because the likes of Caitlin Clark have come to the limelight. And also changed the manner in which the WNBA as a whole was perceived. Thus, landing an ROY award is surely on the bucket list of the young WNBA players. This year, however, there are several contenders for the same. While the domination of Paige Bueckers has given her a head start, the likes of Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron, too, are not lagging far behind.
However, coach Sydney Johnson has advocated for the duo quite strongly. Citron has surely shown what she is capable of. Back in July, when she had her career night, Citron made the Chicago Sky regret letting her go in the draft. And now, despite Bueckers dominating the rookie discussions, Johnson feels that Citron, too, can be a very eligible candidate.
Sonia Citron Pushed For Rookie Of The Year By Sydney Johnson
The Washington Mystics had a heartbreak this season. Despite showing promise, they failed to qualify for the playoffs. However, while it must have hurt head coach Johnson significantly, she is trying to find the positives from the bygone season. And two names that immediately come to mind are that of Citron and Iriafen.
Speaking about their chances of becoming the Rookie of the Year, Johnson stated that Bueckers is surely great. But her own rookie stars, too, had their moments in the league and thus should be considered for the award. “Mystics head coach Sydney Johnson said that Paige Bueckers is wonderful, but it would be a shame if Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen don’t get real consideration for Rookie of the Year,” wrote Joshua Valdez via X (formerly Twitter).
Mystics head coach Sydney Johnson said that Paige Bueckers is wonderful, but it would be a shame if Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen don’t get real consideration for Rookie of the Year. Also said the way Citron was officiated this season was “embarrassing.”
— Joshua Valdez (@joshvaldez100) September 10, 2025
Well, Johnson is not all wrong. Bueckers surely was the pick among the lot. With 692 points, the Wings’ rookie is at the top. But Citron and Iriafen followed closely behind with 657 and 584 points, respectively. Meanwhile, reflecting on her maiden year at the WNBA, Citron recently got candid about her experience.
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Sonia Citron Will Carry Back A Lot Of Confidence From Her Rookie Season
Citron had one of the best opening seasons a rookie can ask for. Speaking about her antics, Citron broke Caitlin Clark’s WNBA record. She also had numerous records tumbling as the youngster got off to a flier in her WNBA journey. Unfortunately, while she might have liked her team to do better in the season, the Mystics’ star will be bracing for a strong comeback next. In a recent conversation with ClutchPoints’ Joshua Valdez, Citron got candid about what she will be taking back from her rookie season.
“I think it(this season) definitely helps(in boosting confidence). Knowing that, again, we had a pretty decent year this year, but I still think there’s so much for me to get better at. So, just knowing that my play has translated from college, but now it’s time to really level up and fine-tune those things. And yeah, again, like you said, it definitely gives me some confidence, but there’s just a lot more work to do,” Citron said.
Surely, it is evident that Citron will be coming back for more in the next season. Now, it will be interesting to see how things pan out in the future.