Editor’s Note: This story is part of a series from SB Nation profiling the 2025 WNBA All-Star teams. Today, let’s get to know Sonia Citron.
Mystics rookie found out she was an All-Star in wild way
The Washington Mystics rookie is already one of the best players in the WNBA in year one.
Noa Dalzell is a senior writer covering the WNBA and all of women’s basketball for Breakaway, SB Nation’s women’s sports vertical, as well as the Celtics for CelticsBlog.
Sonia Citron did not expect to be named a WNBA All-Star in her rookie season.
“I was definitely really surprised,” Citron told SB Nation on Monday. “It’s not something that I really thought would happen, especially this year. So, definitely very shocked. I don’t think it’s really hit me yet.”
The No. 3 overall pick has had a superb rookie season in Washington — she’s averaging 14.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists, while shooting 45.5% from the field and 36.3% from three. As a result of her sharpshooting, Citron was also one of five WNBA players selected to participate in Friday’s three-point competition.
Citron didn’t find out she’d be named an All-Star in the usual way. The Washington Mystics rookie received an Instagram DM from Seattle Storm forward Gabby Williams, who had mistakenly received a call from Cathy Engelbert that was meant for Citron.
The 21-year-old took that mishap in stride.
“It was definitely different, but it’s a cool story to tell, and it’s a unique way of finding out,” Citron said.
Citron credits the Mystics’ cutting-heavy offense for suiting her playstyle, allowing her to surpass even her own expectations.
“I don’t really think I had any expectations coming into this year,” Citron said. “I kind of just wanted to embrace everything that was going to come my way, and knowing that there’s going to be ups and downs, I just wanted to really help my team win in any way that I could so I wouldn’t really say I had any like personal goals, besides just embracing everything, trying to get better every day and just being a good asset to the team.”
Sonia Citron is eyeing a Mystics playoff berth
The Mystics have won three straight games and currently have an 11-10 record — and Citron wants to see them be a part of postseason action. Currently, that’s good for the 7th overall seed, though the Las Vegas Aces (currently in 9th place) are just a game behind.
“The one goal that I have for the team is just to make the playoffs and just try to keep winning games,” she said.
Individually, there aren’t specific aspects of improvement she’s particularly focused on: “If I can say that I’m a better player at the end of the year than I was when I started, then I would be happy.”
See More:
