The 2025 WNBA Draft wasn’t just exciting â it was a seismic shift. Packed with elite prospects, it injected the league with fresh talent already making waves in their rookie campaigns.
Among the most promising names? Notre Dameâs very own standout, Sonia Citron, was selected third overall by the Washington Mystics. And now, just a few weeks into her pro career, her former college coach, Niele Ivey, has made a head-turning prediction.
Niele Ivey Believes Sonia Citron Will Excel in Rookie Mystics Season
Recently, Coach Ivey took to Instagram story to repost a video highlight of Citronâs performance from the Mysticsâ May 25 matchup against the Phoenix Mercury.
In the clip, Citron can be seen showcasing her versatile scoring and smart shot selection. But it wasnât just the repost that caught attention â it was Iveyâs caption: Simple, bold ‘ROTY’ (Rookie of the Year).
That one word spoke volumes.
The post immediately stirred buzz, as Iveyâs declaration put Citron in the same conversation as Caitlin Clark, who captured the WNBAâs Rookie of the Year honor just last season. Clarkâs 2024 rookie campaign was nothing short of legendary, averaging 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 8.4 assists. She redefined what a first-year player could accomplish.
While Citron still has a long way to go to match Clarkâs historic numbers, her rookie season is off to a blazing start. Through her first stretch of games, the Mystics guard is putting up 15.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, while shooting a lights-out 47.6% from beyond the arc.
In the May 25 game that Coach Ivey reposted, Citron dropped 14 points, demonstrating poise and confidence on the court. Unfortunately, despite her strong showing, the Mystics fell short to the Mercury (68-62).
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Citron â not just to see if she can live up to Iveyâs lofty forecast, but to witness whether she can truly follow in Clarkâs iconic rookie footsteps and carve out her own legacy in the WNBA.
Citron’s Performance Under Coach Ivey’s Guidance
Citron played four seasons with Notre Dameâs Fighting Irish under the leadership of Head Coach Ivey. Throughout her college career, she was a dynamic presence on the court, averaging 14.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.
Citron had her best season as a junior, when she averaged 17.3 points and collected 5.5 rebounds every game. Her skills played a significant role in helping the Fighting Irish advance to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament. Thus proving her leadership abilities.
During her last year at Notre Dame, Citron scored an average of 14.1 points and grabbed 5.4 rebounds in each game. She still managed to move the team through to the Sweet 16. Sadly, their season ended when the TCU Horned Frogs defeated them, 71-62.
Still, Citron’s legacy under Coach Ivey remains strong, marked by consistency, leadership, and postseason success.
