Sonia Citron is an American professional basketball player for the Washington Mystics of the WNBA. Drafted third overall in 2025 out of Notre Dame, she became an All-Star as a rookie. Known for her calm, steady play, she also carries a rich Cape Verdean and West African family heritage.
Who is Sonia Citron?
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sonia Elizabeth Citron |
| Nickname | The Silent Assassin |
| Profession | Professional Basketball Player (WNBA) |
| Date of Birth | October 22, 2003 |
| Age | 22 (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | White Plains, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Ethnicity | Mixed (Cape Verdean/Black and Portuguese roots) |
| Known For | Playing guard for the Washington Mystics; 2025 WNBA All-Star |
Sonia Citron is a rising star in women’s basketball. She plays as a guard for the Washington Mystics and stands out for her smooth, disciplined style on the court.
She grew up in the New York area and played college basketball at Notre Dame, where she earned several honors. Teammates gave her the nickname “The Silent Assassin” because she stays quiet but gets the job done.
The Mystics picked her third overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft. She made a big splash right away, earning an All-Star selection during her very first pro season.
What is Sonia Citron Ethnicity?
Sonia Citron has a mixed ethnic background. On her mother’s side, the family is of Cape Verdean descent, and Sonia has described their heritage as a blend of Black and Portuguese.
Her maternal grandparents were both born in Cape Verde, a small island nation off the coast of West Africa. Her mother, Yolanda, was also born there before the family later moved.
Sonia has said many people can’t guess her background just by looking at her. But she feels deeply connected to her roots, which have shaped who she is both on and off the court.
Family Roots of Sonia Citron
Sonia’s family story stretches across several countries. Her mother’s parents were born in Cape Verde, and her mother Yolanda was one of 13 children on the maternal side.
When Yolanda was still young, the family left Cape Verde and settled in Dakar, Senegal. Because of this, Sonia grew up surrounded by both Cape Verdean and Senegalese culture.
Yolanda later moved to the United States in her mid-twenties to build a new life. Some of Sonia’s relatives stayed in Senegal, while others moved on to France.
Growing up, Sonia ate Senegalese food and listened to Cape Verdean music at home. Her grandmother, Zita Lopes DaSilva, lived with the family and kept a playlist of soothing Cape Verdean songs always going. That mix of cultures gave Sonia a strong sense of identity.
What is Sonia Citron’s Nationality and Where Does She Live?
Sonia Citron is American by nationality. She was born in White Plains, New York, on October 22, 2003, which makes her a U.S. citizen.
She spent her childhood in the Westchester County area of New York, growing up around Scarsdale. Her backyard and driveway served as her first basketball courts.
Today, her career keeps her based in Washington, D.C., where she plays for the Washington Mystics. During the offseason, she has also played for Hive in the Unrivaled league.
Family Background
Sonia comes from a close and very athletic family. Her father, William Citron, played college basketball at Bradley University, so the sport clearly runs in her blood.
Her mother, Yolanda Citron, brought the family’s rich Cape Verdean culture into their home through food, music, and dance. Both parents are American.
Sonia also has an older brother named Will, who took a different sports path. He played college soccer at both Cornell and Virginia.
Growing up, Will often played hard against Sonia, treating her like real competition. That helped sharpen her competitive edge from an early age. As of now, there is no public information about Sonia being married or in a relationship.
Major Events in Sonia Citron’s Life
Sonia’s basketball journey took off in high school at The Ursuline School in New Rochelle, New York. She became a McDonald’s All-American and was named Miss New York Basketball in 2021.
She then joined the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, where she won ACC Rookie of the Year in 2022 and later earned All-ACC honors multiple times.
In 2025, the Washington Mystics selected her third overall in the WNBA Draft. She quickly proved herself, making the All-Star team and the All-Rookie Team in her debut season.
Lesser-Known Facts About Sonia Citron
| Fun Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First Sport | Soccer (before switching to basketball) |
| Switched to Basketball | In eighth grade, after a growth spurt |
| Basketball Idol | Modeled her game after Sabrina Ionescu |
| Favorite Music Genre | Afrobeats |
| Jersey Number | 22 |
| Shooting Hand | Right |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch |
Before basketball took over, soccer was Sonia’s first love. She only shifted her full focus to hoops in eighth grade, right after a growth spurt made the choice feel natural.
Growing up, she looked up to Sabrina Ionescu and tried to model her own smooth playing style after the WNBA star. That influence still shows in her calm, controlled game.
Music plays a big role in her life. She loves Afrobeats, and after tough games she turns to Cape Verdean music to feel close to her family and heritage. She has named artists like Omah Lay and Wizkid among her favorites.
She has worn the number 22 since her Notre Dame days and carried it right into her pro career. Her steady defense and quiet confidence earned her that “Silent Assassin” nickname.
Sonia Citron Social Media
Sonia Citron keeps an active presence on Instagram, where she shares moments from her games and life. Her handle there is @soniacitron.
She uses the platform to connect with fans and post highlights from her rookie season and beyond. As a rising WNBA star, her following has grown quickly.
Fans looking to follow her journey with the Washington Mystics can find her most active on Instagram. Her profile is often linked through official WNBA and team pages.
FAQs
Q1. What is Sonia Citron’s ethnicity?
She has a mixed background, with Cape Verdean roots on her mother’s side that she describes as a mix of Black and Portuguese.
Q2. How old is Sonia Citron?
She was born on October 22, 2003, which makes her 22 years old as of 2026.
Q3. What nationality is Sonia Citron?
She is American, born in White Plains, New York.
Q4. Who are Sonia Citron’s parents?
Her parents are William Citron, a former Bradley University basketball player, and Yolanda Citron, who has Cape Verdean heritage.
Q5. What does Sonia Citron do for a living?
She is a professional basketball player who plays as a guard for the Washington Mystics in the WNBA.