Kiki Iriafen: USC HC Lindsay Gottlieb cheers on Kiki Iriafen in her first game versus the Valkyries

USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb is showed love to one of her former players. Gottlieb attended Wednesday's WNBA matchup between the Golden State Valkyries and former Trojans forward Kiki Iriafen's Washington Mystics.

Gottlieb posed with her son Jordan outside Chase Center in San Fransisco, and shared the adorable snap on her Instagram story.

"Pulling up to our first @valkyries game ... but can't help our excitement to support @kikiiriafen😊✌🏻," Gottlieb wrote.

Lindsay Gottlieb and son Jordan attend a Golden State Valkyries game

Gottlieb kept fans updated on her day at the game through a series of stories. She continued to show support for Iriafen by posting a video clip of the forward taking the court.

"👏🏻👏🏻," Gottlieb wrote.

Lindsay Gottlieb shares video of former USC star Kiki Iriafen (image credit: instagram/coachlindsayg)

It wasn't the first time this WNBA season that Gottlieb has hyped Iriafen. Following the Mystics' 90-85 win over the Connecticut Sun on Sunday, Gottlieb drew attention to a particularly impressive play by Iriafen. The USC coach shared a video of her play on her story and highlighted her admirable rim run.

"Those first 3 steps (and next 3 too) @kikiiriafen Omg ... next level rim run!," Gottlieb captioned.

USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb praises former Trojans star Kiki Iriafen's WNBA performance (image credit: instagram/coachlindsayg)

Iriafen is making her mark in the WNBA, and her college coach is along for every step of the ride.

Lindsay Gottlieb molded Kiki Iriafen into a WNBA star

Kiki Iriafen spent just one season with Lindsay Golttlieb's USC but she helped prepare Iriafen for her professional career. After three seasons at Stanford, the forward spent her senior year with the Trojans. Iriafen became an essential piece of their success, and boosted her draft stock.

At USC, Iriafen averaged 18.0 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. She was a contributor on both ends, recording 0.9 steals and 0.6 blocks per game. The forward shot 49.0%, including 28.6% from beyond the arc.

WNBA: Atlanta Dream at Washington Mystics - Source: Imagn

Iriafen helped USC in an impressive season that resulted in a No. 1 in the NCAA Tournament. Her skill set and leadership was key in reaching the Elite Eight despite being without star guard JuJu Watkins, who tore her ACL in the Round of 32.

Iriafen was selected No. 4 by the Mystics and is already making an impact on the team. The forward has started in all three of Washington's matchups and is putting up a team best 10.0 rpg.

Iriafen honed her skill set at USC with Gottlieb's help and is thriving at the professional level.

About the author

Lindsey Ware is a college sports journalist at Sportskeeda with over five years of experience working with publications such as The News & Observer, The Daily Tar Heel, Triangle Tribune and Cardiac Cane. She has also worked for Major League Baseball, The Holly Springs Salamanders, The Tri-City Chili Peppers, Tuffy Talk, Super Meteors Basketball, Just Good Network and Living Sport.

Lindsey has a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Journalism from UNC Chapel Hill. Her education allowed Lindsey to gain experience in sports communication, which she honed in internships. Other than being a storyteller and sports fanatic, Lindsey is also a social media and marketing specialist.

Her favorite college team is UNC, although she grew up a N.C. State fan as both of her parents are Wolfpack alumni. Michael Jordan was a huge deal in North Carolina when Lindsey was growing up, and after a summer spent at UNC’s Sports Journalism Camp back in high school, Lindsey was set on being a Tar Heel.

Lindsey's favorite college coach of all time is Roy Williams. During her time attending UNC Chapel Hill and writing for The Daily Tar Heel, Lindsey was lucky enough to meet and speak with Williams a few times. He was like a celebrity on UNC’s campus and was beloved for his coaching style and success with the Tar Heels, accumulating three NCAA championship titles in 18 years.

When not watching or writing about sports, Lindsey enjoys reading, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and spending time with my friends, family and dog. She also likes to journal, watch movies and paint.

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Edited by Victor Ramon Galvez