From the moment they stepped onto the court as rookies, both players have made an immediate impact and an early strong impression.

Now, both Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen, representing the Washington Mystics, will play alongside the league's best as All-Star week is finally upon us. The games top players will gather for the 21st edition of the 2025 WNBA All-Star game, which will take place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, on July 19.

Citron and Iriafen became the first pair of rookie teammates since 1999 to have been selected as All-Stars. The duo, drafted by Team Clark as reserves on July 8, will team up together vs. Team Collier.

Through 22 games played this season, Citron has been all business. The No. 3 overall pick from this past year's draft has been stuffing up the stat sheet, averaging 14.1 points per game, 5.0 rebounds, and one steal, while shooting 45.0% from the field and 36.5% from three-point range.

Citron’s composed shooting, defensive tenacity, and polished playmaking have quickly established her as a reliable two-way player.

“She’s a two-way player and a true defender,” head coach Sydney Johnson said on Citron following the Mystics' 91-88 win over Dallas on June 22. “It starts with her desire, her pursuit. We’ve added some things for her to consider coaching-wise, and she’s applying them in the moment, right away. It’s special, and it’s about more than just talent. It’s the professionalism, and that’s a credit to her. We’re glad she’s here."

The former Notre Dame star ranks second among all rookies in points per game, rebounds per game, total points (310), and total rebounds (109). She also sits fourth in assists (45), fourth in steals (23), and second in three-point field goals made per game (1.6).

Speaking of three pointers, Citron is one of five participants for this year's three-point contest which will take place the night before on July 18.

From all business to all that girl, Iriafen—selected just one pick later—has been equally impressive in the early stages of her rookie campaign. Her relentless energy, dominance on the boards, and physical presence in the paint have provided the team with a force in its front court.

Like her All-Star counterpart, the standout forward has made her presence felt early. Through the first half of the season, the former All-Pac-12 Team selection from USC has averaged 11.9 points and 8.5 rebounds, while shooting 46% from the field.

Iriafen ranks third among rookies in both points per game and total points (262), while leading the class in rebounds per game and total rebounds (186). She also sits third in field goal percentage and field goals made per game (4.5).

In addition to earning a spot in the star-studded contest, Iriafen claimed Kia WNBA Rookie of the Month honors in May after averaging 13.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, and shooting 47.4% from the field.

More recently, the first year forward, set a new franchise rookie record with seven double-doubles in a season, a feat she accomplished on July 13 following the Mystics' 74-69 win over the Seattle Storm.

“She’s had her head down, focused, and knows exactly what she wants, where she likes the ball, how to get to the bucket, how to get a stop on the defensive end," said Aaliyah Edwards on Iriafen following the win over Seattle. "She’s been playing for her teammates and becoming more of a playmaker, too. So it’s well deserved for her to be an All-Star, both her and Sonia. We’re definitely going to be cheering for them.”

The future of the Mystics shines brightly through the promising talents of their rookie duo. Though their play styles differ, their impact is equally significant. Their All-Star selections reflect not only impressive statistics but also key moments in games that have energized the team and fans alike.

Watching Citron and Iriafen develop this early in their careers signals that the Mystics’ future is in capable, rising hands.