Bird's Eye View with Sue Bird: Episode Summary Episode Title: Sonia Citron and Kiki Iria on Adjusting to the W, the Value of Good Vets, and Staying Grounded
Release Date: July 18, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Bird’s Eye View, host Sue Bird teams up with Megan Rapinoe to sit down with two standout rookies in the WNBA: Sonya Citron and Kiki Iria. Drafted third and fourth respectively, Sonya and Kiki are making significant impacts with the Washington Mystics, showcasing maturity and skill beyond their years. The conversation delves into their transition into the WNBA, the importance of veteran presence, and maintaining a grounded approach amidst early success.

Sue's View: Highlights from the Week

Before diving into the main interview, Sue Bird shares her "Sue's View" segment, providing insightful analysis of recent WNBA games and standout performances.

• Asia Wilson's Stellar Performance ([03:00]):
  Sue highlights Asia Wilson's impressive game where she scored 34 points and grabbed 16 rebounds, shooting 75%. She remarks, “Asia always finds a way to get it done in the paint” ([04:15]).

• Chicago Sky's Dominance ([05:10]):
  Focusing on the Chicago Sky, Sue discusses Angel Reese's record-breaking stretch, averaging 13.6 points and 12.8 rebounds, including six games with at least 15 rebounds. Sue emphasizes, “When she can keep that up and the team turns it into wins, it's a good sign” ([06:30]).

Main Interview: Navigating the WNBA with Sonya Citron and Kiki Iria

Initial Impressions and Relationship ([01:17] - [05:54])

Sue Bird introduces Sonya Citron and Kiki Iria, emphasizing their chemistry and complementary playing styles. Despite being rookies, both players exhibit a level of maturity and patience that endears them to their teammates and coaches. Sue notes, “Their college experiences have really helped them. They played alongside some top talent, and now in the WNBA, it's all about complementing each other” ([02:20]).

Backgrounds and College Experiences ([08:35] - [12:15])

• Sonya Citron's Journey ([08:35] - [10:03]):
  Sonya discusses her decision to attend Notre Dame over Stanford, drawn by the people and Coach Ivey’s vision to “bring Notre Dame back to what it used to be” ([09:29]). She reflects on playing alongside talented teammates and how that prepared her for the rigors of the WNBA.

• Kiki Iria's Path ([10:23] - [12:15]):
  Kiki shares her experience at Stanford, where she honed her skills under legendary coach Tara Vanderbeke before transferring to USC to return home and compete for a national championship. She credits her mental preparation and working with a mental performance coach for her breakout performance in college ([11:14]).

Draft Experience and Transition to the WNBA ([14:24] - [20:12])

Both Sonya and Kiki recount the uncertainty and anxiety leading up to the WNBA draft.

• Sonya's Draft Anxiety ([14:24] - [18:32]):
  Sonya describes driving herself crazy over draft projections, reassured by her boyfriend’s advice: “God’s got you. Whatever, wherever you're supposed to go, you’re going to go” ([17:24]). Grateful for landing with the Mystics in D.C., she feels “in D.C. for a reason” ([18:32]).

• Kiki's Draft Day ([18:34] - [20:12]):
  Kiki characterizes her draft day as “organized chaos”, experiencing both excitement and nervousness. Upon being selected by the Mystics, she felt “excited but scared” about moving from California. Fortunately, the supportive environment in D.C. quickly put her at ease ([19:07]).

Adjusting to the WNBA: On and Off the Court ([20:13] - [36:56])

• Playing with Veterans ([24:11] - [27:05]):
  Sue and the rookies discuss the influence of veteran players like Steph and Candace, who provide mentorship and foster a supportive locker room culture. Kiki praises Steph for being “the mama of the locker room” and a valuable mentor ([47:39]).

• Training and Development ([28:14] - [44:25]):
  The importance of continuous learning is emphasized, with Sonya highlighting her work with Coach Clinton Crouch on shooting and defensive techniques ([44:25]). Kiki discusses her training with Coach Barb Turner, focusing on defensive disruption and mental preparedness ([46:21]).

• Handling Early Success and All-Star Selections ([49:08] - [56:02]):
  Both rookies express humility and surprise at being selected as All-Stars, attributing their recognition to consistent performance and teamwork. Kiki mentions, “I was not expecting to be an All-Star, but it was validating” ([53:48]).

Challenges and Future Goals ([34:49] - [61:50])

• Physical and Mental Adjustments ([34:49] - [36:56]):
  Kiki identifies the high basketball IQ of WNBA players as a significant adjustment, while Sonya points to the increased physicality of the league ([35:28]). Both discuss the necessity of mental resilience and adaptability.

• Team Dynamics and Consistency ([48:52] - [49:36]):
  The rookies emphasize the importance of team mentality, supported by veterans like Steph who encourage resilience and focus on the next game regardless of past outcomes ([49:43]).

• Personal and Team Success ([60:56] - [61:50]):
  Looking ahead, Sonya aims to make the playoffs and improve as a player, while Kiki focuses on maintaining joy in her game and becoming a better player overall ([61:46]).

Notable Quotes

• Sue Bird on Team Chemistry:
  “They’re both young, but they’re playing with a maturity and patience that goes beyond their years” ([02:20])

• Sonya Citron on Embracing the WNBA:
  “We’re hired to do what we do. We play confidently and don’t fear making mistakes” ([24:30])

• Kiki Iria on Mental Preparation:
  “Basketball is 99% mental and 1% physical. Believing in yourself is key” ([07:25])

• Sonya Citron on Handling Losses:
  “In this league, you can’t get too high or too low. You have to move on to the next game quickly” ([38:14])

• Kiki Iria on Defensive Challenges:
  “The biggest difference is just the level of IQ that they have. They see everything before it happens” ([34:49])

• Sonya Citron on All-Star Recognition:
  “I was not expecting to be an All-Star, but it was validating to know that I’m on track” ([53:48])

Conclusion

Sue Bird’s conversation with Sonya Citron and Kiki Iria offers an insightful look into the experiences of two promising rookies navigating their way through the WNBA. From overcoming draft anxieties to adapting to the league’s demands, Sonya and Kiki demonstrate resilience, teamwork, and a relentless drive to improve. Their early successes, supported by veteran mentorship, set a strong foundation for their future careers in professional women’s basketball. Listeners gain valuable perspectives on the challenges and triumphs of transitioning from college to the WNBA, as well as the importance of maintaining humility and joy amidst competitive pressures.

Produced by: Together and Vox Media Podcast Network
Producers: Tommy Alter, Jason Gallagher, Richie Bozek, Harry Krinsky, Jess Clarendon, Melanie Carter
Special Thanks: Ramon Dampour
Sponsors: CVS Caremark, Icy Hot, Groons, Salesforce, Mercury