Kiki Iriafen: WNBA star showcasing Nigerian heritage at Washington Mystics

When Kiki Iriafen heard her name called as the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft by the Washington Mystics, it was more than a career milestone—it was a moment of cultural pride, perseverance, and the promise of a bright future.

The Nigerian-American forward, who made her mark at both Stanford and USC, now brings her dynamic presence to the nation’s capital with a clear mission: to represent her roots, elevate the game, and leave an indelible mark on and off the court.

“I’m excited to be here in D.C.,” Iriafen said. “I felt so much love from fans and even strangers on the street. People are just so excited about what the Mystics can bring this season, and I’m grateful to be part of that.”

A Pro’s Mindset from Day One

Iriafen arrives in Washington with the poise of a seasoned professional. Her college years coincided with the early days of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), teaching her how to navigate the business side of sports.

You are a business; you are a brand,” she explained. “So learning how to speak and being media-trained, I’ve already gone through that. Now, being endorsed as a professional, I’m excited to see what that looks like.”

Though she’s still juggling school, attending online classes, and finishing group projects, the whirlwind of being drafted hasn’t distracted her from her goals.

“It’s been a crazy few weeks, but these are great problems to have,” she said with a laugh. “I think it’ll really hit me that I’m a pro when I put on that jersey for the first game.”

Proudly Nigerian: A Statement of Heritage

Her cultural pride shone brightly on draft night, when she donned a golden dress in tribute to her Nigerian roots.

“Growing up, showcasing your culture wasn’t always easy. Now, it’s accepted; it’s celebrated,” she said. “On one of the biggest days of my life, I wanted to represent where I come from and the people back home who support me.”

That pride is grounded in a powerful Nigerian saying she holds close:

“Naija no dey carry last”—a mindset of excellence and determination that guides her every step.

“If someone else can do it, you can do it better. That’s the confidence being Nigerian gives you. It’s a push. And the support from the Nigerian community has been unbelievable—even people who don’t know me just want to cheer me on because I’m Nigerian.”

Building Something Special with the Mystics

Joining the Mystics, Iriafen feels honoured and excited to be part of a team with a clear vision for the future.

It’s super exciting to be a part of building something new. The coaches and organisation believe in me, and that means a lot.”

She’s already learning from seasoned veterans while bonding closely with her fellow rookies.

“We’re keeping them young,” she joked. “I’m not a solo rookie. I have four other rookies with me, so to kind of have a group of girls to go through this journey with is amazing.”

Finding Her Place in D.C.

Iriafen describes herself as bubbly and outgoing—a personality that lights up any room. But on the court, she’s all business.

“People fill my cup,” she said. “I love being around my friends and FaceTiming family, and I plan to really engage with the D.C. community. I don’t want to be tucked away in my apartment. I want to live life and explore.”

Her enthusiasm extends to her new teammates, especially the veterans who are setting the standard.

“We’re competitors, but there’s a humility in our rookie class,” she said. “The vets have been incredible. They’re constantly giving tips and helping us grow. Watching Slim [Brittney Sykes] and Steph [Stephanie Dolson] work hard every single day—even in their ninth or thirteenth year—makes me realise I have no excuse not to give my all.”

A Team That Sees the Whole Player

What excites Iriafen most about the Mystics is the team’s culture—one that values its players as individuals, not just athletes.

“Coach [Eric Thibault] and the staff genuinely want to know who I am beyond basketball. My first coaches’ meeting wasn’t even about basketball—it was about who Kiki is, what I like to do. That kind of relationship is rare.”

Still, when it’s time to compete, the expectations are clear.

“When we step on the court, it’s about competing. Every single day, we’re pushing each other to get better. That’s one of our core values.”

Ready to Rise

With talent, humility, and pride in her heritage, Kiki Iriafen is more than ready for the challenge of the WNBA. She’s stepping into the league not just to play but to inspire.

“I’m here to help build something special. The organisation believes in me, and I’m leaning on the vets to learn what being a pro truly means. It’s exciting. It’s powerful. And I’m ready.”

A Star on the Rise

As Kiki Iriafen begins her WNBA journey with the Washington Mystics, her blend of athletic talent, cultural pride, and people-first mindset is poised to leave a lasting impact. From Lagos to Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., fans across the world are watching with admiration.