Notre Dame’s Sonia Citron Headed to Washington as She Begins Exciting New Chapter in Her Basketball Journey
Sonia Citron’s rise through the ranks of women’s basketball has been nothing short of extraordinary. From her early days as a promising high school recruit to her standout career at the University of Notre Dame, Citron has consistently demonstrated a level of skill, maturity, and leadership well beyond her years. Now, she embarks on a thrilling new chapter, as she heads to Washington to begin her professional basketball journey. For Citron, this move represents more than just a transition to the WNBA—it marks the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and a relentless drive to excel at the highest level.
During her time at Notre Dame, Sonia Citron carved out a legacy as one of the most versatile and reliable players in program history. Her impact on the court was immediate, and she quickly became a cornerstone of the Fighting Irish lineup. Known for her poise under pressure, sharp basketball IQ, and two-way dominance, Citron was a coach’s dream and a fan favorite. She was often the glue that held the team together, doing whatever was needed—whether that meant hitting clutch shots, locking down top scorers on defense, or stepping up as a leader in critical moments. Her stat lines consistently reflected her all-around game, but the numbers only told part of the story. Citron brought an intangible quality to the court that lifted those around her and elevated the team as a whole.
Citron’s journey to this point is also a testament to her unwavering commitment and unyielding discipline. As a high school star at The Ursuline School in New York, she was already turning heads with her elite scoring ability and court vision. Her performances in national tournaments and on the AAU circuit made it clear that she was a special talent. When she chose Notre Dame, it felt like a natural fit—a program with a storied tradition in women’s basketball, and one that would allow her to grow not just as an athlete, but as a person. Under the guidance of head coach Niele Ivey, Citron blossomed. She embraced the high expectations, thrived in big-game environments, and continually found ways to improve her game.
As Citron now takes the next step and joins Washington, there is a palpable sense of excitement about what she can bring to the WNBA. The franchise is eager to inject young talent into its roster, and Citron fits the mold of the modern pro player—versatile, tough, and mentally strong. Her skill set should translate well to the professional level. She’s a capable scorer from all three levels, a smart and willing passer, and a strong rebounder for her position. On defense, her length, anticipation, and effort make her a potential lockdown wing who can guard multiple positions. Perhaps just as importantly, she arrives with a winning pedigree and a reputation as a consummate teammate.
For Citron, the move to Washington is more than just a professional opportunity; it’s a chance to represent her roots and her journey on a grander stage. Coming from a close-knit family and a supportive community, she has always spoken about the importance of staying grounded and never forgetting where she came from. That mindset has served her well throughout her rise, and it’s likely to continue anchoring her as she adjusts to life in the WNBA. There will be new challenges, tougher competition, and a faster pace, but Citron has never shied away from hard work. In fact, it’s the grind that fuels her.
Her college career ended on a high note, with Citron once again showing why she’s considered one of the top prospects in her class. Despite facing injuries and tough opponents, she remained a consistent force for Notre Dame. She displayed growth in every facet of her game, from improved shooting mechanics to enhanced decision-making. Even as opponents keyed in on her, she found ways to contribute and impact games. It was that resilience and adaptability that caught the attention of WNBA scouts and coaches, who see in her the potential to make an immediate impact in the league.
Joining the Washington franchise, Citron steps into a team looking to rebuild and reassert itself as a contender. The organization is clearly investing in a youth movement, and Citron is expected to be a big part of that vision. Her ability to play multiple roles—whether as a starter or coming off the bench—gives the coaching staff flexibility. She’s the type of player who doesn’t need plays run for her to be effective. Her basketball instincts allow her to find the flow of the game and contribute in ways that go beyond the box score. Those are rare qualities, especially in a league as competitive as the WNBA.
While the on-court possibilities are tantalizing, Citron’s presence will also be felt off the court. At Notre Dame, she was known for her leadership, humility, and commitment to community service. She embraced her role as a student-athlete, excelling academically and setting an example for younger players. In Washington, she’ll have an opportunity to use that platform to make a difference, whether it’s mentoring local youth, engaging with fans, or advocating for causes that matter to her. The WNBA has long been a leader in athlete activism and community involvement, and Citron’s values align perfectly with that ethos.
As she prepares for her first season in the pros, Citron remains focused on the fundamentals—improving every day, learning from veteran teammates, and earning her place on the court. Her approach is methodical and grounded, shaped by years of disciplined training and a strong support system. She knows that success in the WNBA won’t come overnight, but she’s ready to put in the work. That mindset, more than anything, suggests she’ll be a long-term contributor and possibly a future star.
It’s also worth noting the broader impact of her journey. For young girls who watched Citron play at Notre Dame or followed her story from New York to South Bend, she’s a beacon of what’s possible with talent, determination, and heart. She’s shown that you don’t have to be flashy to be elite, and that consistency, effort, and character still matter in today’s game. As she steps into the national spotlight, her platform grows—and so does her influence.
The excitement in Washington is real. Fans are eager to see what Citron can do at the next level, and there’s a genuine belief within the organization that she can become a foundational piece. While the WNBA season is long and demanding, Citron has already proven that she thrives under pressure and rises to big occasions. If her past is any indication, her future is incredibly bright.
For Notre Dame, watching Citron move on is bittersweet. She leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered for years, not just for her statistics or highlights, but for the way she carried herself and represented the university. She’s one of those rare players whose impact will be felt long after her final game. Her departure is a loss, but it’s also a point of pride—a sign that the program continues to produce not just great athletes, but great people.
Citron’s transition to Washington is just beginning, but the foundation she’s built promises great things ahead. She brings with her a winning mindset, a relentless work ethic, and a deep love for the game. Those qualities don’t guarantee success, but they certainly set her up for it. As she dons her new jersey and steps onto the professional court for the first time, there will be nerves, excitement, and a sense of the unknown. But there will also be something else—confidence. Not just in herself, but in the journey that brought her here, and the belief that she belongs on this stage.
In many ways, Sonia Citron represents the future of women’s basketball. Skilled, composed, team-first, and grounded, she embodies everything that makes the sport special. As she begins this new chapter in Washington, fans across the country—especially those who followed her at Notre Dame—will be cheering her on, knowing that the best is yet to come.
