WASHINGTON (7News) — We are only weeks into the WNBA season, but the Washington Mystics are already turning heads.
After a historic rookie year, forward Kiki Iriafen isn’t just picking up where she left off — she’s elevating her game.
“Every day is just about being better than I was yesterday, without looking back but just knowing I can take it up a notch day-by-day,” Iriafen told 7News Sports Anchor Natalie Spala.
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The 22-year-old Mystics forward is focused less on what she accomplished as a rookie and more on continuing to grow her game. While her talent has always been evident, her leadership has quickly become just as important for a young Washington roster.
“My coaches have pushed me to be a better leader and be a more vocal leader, which is something I didn’t have to do last season but definitely this season,” she said.
When reflecting on her standout rookie year, Iriafen doesn’t immediately point to her scoring, rebounding, or even her All-Star appearance. Instead, she talks about the relationships she’s built inside the locker room.
“To be able to have success and have a team around me that loves on me and supports me and allows me to be my best self, I feel like I’m going to be emotional right now,” she said. “That’s just super special and super rare. I get to go to work every day with amazing people, so I just feel a lot of gratitude.”
That gratitude continues to fuel her growth on the court. For Iriafen, the focus this season is staying present, continuing to improve, and trusting the process.
“Being present. That’s my word for the season is just being present. Not worrying about yesterday or tomorrow, just today. I think just by having that mindset, we’ll just, day by day, be able to stack days and get closer to achieving our goals,” Iriafen said.
The Mystics are 2-2 to start the season and return to the court Friday to face the Seattle Storm.