In the 2025 WNBA season, rookies are making their presence felt in a big way. After weeks of standout performances, two first-year Washington Mystics, Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron, are getting their due with their first All-Star selection. But the way they found out was even more unforgettable.
What started as an ordinary post-practice moment turned into a locker room celebration that’s now going viral. The video shows the kind of raw joy and team unity that the WNBA is increasingly leaning into, and fans can’t get enough.
Mystics Rookies Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen Named WNBA All-Stars
After Sunday’s practice, the Mystics squad huddled together to deliver a surprise and a message to their rookies, Citron and Iriafen. They had just been named WNBA All-Stars, joining Dallas Wings’ Paige Bueckers as the only rookies selected for the 2025 game.
The surprise announcement was captured in a heartwarming video posted by Washington Post reporter Kareem Copeland. The video shows the team surrounding the rookies with applause and hugs. It was a full-circle moment for two players who have made immediate impacts since being drafted No. 3 and No. 4 overall in April.
The locker room erupted in cheers as teammates handed the duo bouquets of flowers, hugging and clapping for the first-year players in celebration. To top it off, a celebratory cake was wheeled onto the court, adding a sweet touch to the emotional moment.
Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen find out they’re all-stars. pic.twitter.com/UvLFUgI0q0
— Kareem Copeland (@kareemcopeland) July 6, 2025
Citron and Iriafen, the No. 3 and No. 4 picks in the 2024 WNBA Draft, are the first rookie teammates to be selected as All-Stars since 1999. This year also marks the first time since 2011 that three rookies will appear in the WNBA All-Star game.
Citron has started all 18 games for the Mystics, averaging 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, two assists, and shooting 38.0% from three-point range. Iriafen has been equally impressive, averaging 12.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game and earning Kia Rookie of the Month honors in May.
The announcement was part of the league’s reveal of All-Star reserves, selected by the WNBA’s 13 head coaches. The list includes 13 players, among them Angel Reese and Kelsey Mitchell, with coaches not allowed to vote for their own players.
The WNBA appears to be embracing more dramatic and emotionally resonant reveals this season. Earlier, WNBA superstars Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier were named team captains after leading fan voting. Clark’s selection was revealed in a surprise call from WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, in another moment designed to create buzz and fan connection.
The 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game is scheduled for July 19 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
