"This is just the beginning": Kiki Iriafen determined to scale new heights in sophomore WNBA season with Mystics

Kiki Iriafen has been a revelation for the Washington Mystics during her debut season, with the forward becoming an integral part of the team. After an eventful rookie year, Iriafen seems determined to scale new heights in her sophomore WNBA season.

In an exclusive conversation with Sportskeeda’s Mark Medina, the young star opened up about her goals for her second season, following the Mystics’ failure to secure a playoff spot this year.

"This is just the beginning. I’m not being complacent. I’m not being comfortable with where I am now. I’m trying to get better each and every year. I think that’s the standard for me. It’s about being better than I was the year before," she expressed.

Iriafen has become an integral part of the Mystic team, which is currently led by its rookie core. The forward and Sonia Citron have been the best players for the capital team, with both of them earning All-Star call-ups in their first season.

Having started all 41 games for the Mystics so far, the forward has seized the opportunity, averaging 13.1 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. She has also recorded 26.9 minutes per contest, further underlining her growing importance for the team in the frontcourt.

Though she missed the playoffs in her rookie year, Iriafen has already adapted to the league and is expected to improve. With Georgia Amoore returning from injury next season and multiple draft picks in the draft, Iriafen and the Mystics appear to have a promising future.

Kiki Iriafen records a rare rookie feat for the Mystics as she continues to add to a promising first season

The Washington Mystics entered the 2025 WNBA draft with three lottery picks, with one of them resulting in Kiki Iriafen. Selected fifth, the forward has been a revelation for the Mystics and continues to impress in her rookie season.

In the Mystics’ narrow 81-78 defeat to the Sparks on Sunday, the youngster reached another milestone. She tallied 22 points and 13 rebounds in the loss, marking her fourth 20-point, 10-rebound outing of the season, something no rookie in Mystics history had ever achieved before.

This rare feat was one of many achievements the rookie has attained during her promising first season. With the Mystics set to invest in their rookies and Iriafen looking forward to her sophomore season, the Washington faithful will be eager for the 2026 season.

About the author

Arian Kashyap is a basketball journalist at Sportskeeda with over two years of experience at Essentially Sports and Spice Bite and a Bachelor's in Physical Education and Sports Sciences.

Arian's favorite team is the Miami Heat and it’s mainly down to Dwyane Wade being his favorite player of all time. Arian loved how explosive Wade was as a player and he had all the attributes, whether that be shooting, defending or passing. Arian really liked how he won titles both with and without a dynasty behind him.

Arian has also worked with Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools and was the manager for a Delhi-based women’s team called Garwhal Untied. Garwhal won the Delhi league and were runners-up during his tenure.

Arian has judged essay writing competitions for the Commonwealth Students Welfare Group of India in 2023 and was a part of the U-14 team for the Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools academy that qualified for the AIFF Round in 2023.

When not working or watching sports, Arian likes riding his motorcycle and reading.

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Edited by Victor R. Lopez M.