WASHINGTON, D.C. — If you’re not talking about Sonia Citron’s rookie season, you’re missing one of the most electrifying stories in the WNBA. The Washington Mystics guard didn’t just have a good debut year—she had a historic one, rewriting the franchise record books and putting together a statistical campaign that should put her squarely in the conversation for Rookie of the Year.

But in a season dominated by headlines for Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, Citron’s brilliance has flown under the radar. Let’s break down why that’s a mistake, and why the Mystics’ rookie deserves more than just a passing mention as one of the league’s future stars.

A Rookie Season for the Record Books

Sonia Citron didn’t just meet expectations—she shattered them. The numbers alone are staggering:

Most points scored by a Mystics rookie in franchise history
Most points per game by a rookie with 60% true shooting all-time
Most three-pointers made by a Mystics rookie, ever
Youngest rookie to score 600+ points in a season
Most fourth-quarter points by a rookie, all-time
Second rookie guard ever with 600 points and 150 rebounds
Only Mystics rookie with 25+ points and 10+ rebounds in a game
Led all rookies in true shooting percentage, three-point percentage, and three-pointers made
Most consecutive games with 10+ points by a rookie, all-time
Only player in franchise history with 600 points and 60 made threes
Only rookie guard in WNBA history with multiple 20-point, 10-rebound games

Citron’s impact wasn’t just statistical. She was the Mystics’ go-to scorer, their clutch performer, and the engine that kept them competitive even as the team traded away veterans and battled injuries.

Why Citron’s Value Goes Beyond Stats

It’s easy to get lost in the numbers, but Citron’s value was felt every night. She wasn’t just filling up the box score—she was guarding the opponent’s best player, making winning plays in crunch time, and stepping up as the Mystics’ first option after being a third option at Notre Dame.

When the Mystics and Wings matched up, it was Citron who outplayed Paige Bueckers, including hitting a game-winner in overtime and dropping a 27-point double-double. Even in a season where the Mystics finished well below .500, Citron was the difference between Washington being a bottom-feeder and a team that could pull off upsets.

“If you take Sonia Citron off the Mystics, they win nine or ten games,” one analyst said. “She was the heartbeat of this team, even when the franchise started looking toward the future.”

The Rookie of the Year Debate: Why Citron Deserves Votes

The WNBA Rookie of the Year race has been dominated by the star power of Caitlin Clark and the flash of Paige Bueckers. Clark’s record-breaking three-point shooting and Bueckers’ viral scoring explosions have made headlines all season. But when you dig deeper, Citron’s case is every bit as compelling.

Clark may have set the rookie record for threes, but Citron was right behind her, shooting an elite percentage and leading all rookies in true shooting. Bueckers had the 44-point game, sure, but Citron was consistently excellent, posting double-doubles and clutch performances when it mattered most.

In fact, Citron’s season is arguably more impressive than Bueckers’, especially considering she was two years younger and shouldered a heavier defensive load. “Who was the better player, Citron or Bueckers, right now? It’s Paige,” the analyst admitted. “But who had the better season? Sonia Citron.”

Yet, despite all this, Citron is projected to be shut out of the Rookie of the Year voting. “If she gets even one vote, I’ll do a $50 forfeit,” the analyst joked, confident that Citron’s season would go unrecognized by the media.

A Glimpse of the Future for the Mystics

Citron’s emergence is just the beginning for the Mystics, who are quietly assembling one of the most exciting young cores in the league. Picture this: Georgia Amoore at point guard, a pure shooter like Tayia Latson or Olivia Miles at the two, Citron at the three, Kiki Fenn at the four, and Shakira Austin anchoring the five. All under 26, all with upside to spare.

With multiple first-round picks in the upcoming draft and a front office willing to build around youth, Washington could be the next great WNBA rebuilding story. Citron’s rookie campaign is the foundation, and her ability to play both ends, shoot the three, and create off the dribble makes her a centerpiece for years to come.

“I think we all knew Sonia Citron was going to be good,” the analyst said. “But nobody thought she’d be this good, better in the WNBA than she was at Notre Dame.”

Why the Media Missed the Real Rookie Race

Instead of celebrating one of the closest rookie races in recent memory, the WNBA media has focused on polarizing topics: Clark’s popularity, Bueckers’ struggles, and off-court narratives. The real story should have been the neck-and-neck battle between Citron and Bueckers, with Clark as the third candidate.

“Citron is easily one of the ten highest-upside young players in the WNBA,” the analyst said. “She’s two years younger than Paige, and when you talk about upside, age matters.”

For now, Citron remains an underdog in the awards conversation. But if her rookie season is any indication, she won’t be overlooked for long. She’s on track to be a perennial All-Star, and her combination of shooting, defense, and leadership is exactly what the Mystics—and the league—need.

The Verdict: Don’t Sleep on Sonia Citron

Sonia Citron’s rookie season was more than just a breakout—it was a warning shot to the rest of the WNBA. If you’re not watching her, you’re missing the future of the league. Whether or not she gets the Rookie of the Year nod, Citron has already proven she’s a star in the making.

And if you’re a Mystics fan, get ready. With Citron leading the way, Washington’s youth movement could be the story of 2026—and beyond.