A feeling of quiet exuberance pervaded Gotham FC's postgame press conference on Sunday. It came on the heels of the No. 8 Bats bouncing No. 1 Kansas City, the winningest team in NWSL history, from the first round of the 2025 playoffs.
Despite competing for a top-four finish up until the regular season finale, the New York/New Jersey side slid into the postseason as the lowest-seeded contender — but that was before they pulled off the ultimate upset against the league's best.
"Underdog, my ass — we are not an underdog," Gotham forward Jaedyn Shaw said with a wry smile, taking the mic to discuss the team's belief in one another.
She answered the postgame questions with the same level of confidence as she played, registering both the opening goal and an assist on Katie Stengel's extra-time game-winner. She impacted the match on levels, showing unfettered commitment to the club that made a million-dollar gamble on her midseason.
But Shaw hasn't always been as self-assured as Sunday's performance would bely. Her current tenacity on the pitch is a result of a non-linear journey back to playing with joy. And that's a factor she's always considered her superpower.
Shaw enters her New York era as Gotham picks up speed
Shaw is taking to city life like a natural, she told Just Women's Sports in the lull between the regular season and the playoffs. She found herself adjusting to the change of scenery in September, following a league-record transfer from the North Carolina Courage. It was a move she pursued after seeing her on-field progress stall in her first year in Cary.
"I definitely am a bit more of a city girl," the Dallas-area native said. "It's fun for this part of my life — I'm turning 21 this month. I just feel like my early 20s is going to be a fun era."
After months of uncertainty, Shaw's latest era appears to be in a complete upswing. After landing in North Carolina by way of the San Diego Wave, her playing time and attacking efficiency dwindled. But the 20-year-old has looked like a brand new player since making the jump to New Jersey. She scored in her first match against the Wave, and in October she returned to the ranks of the senior USWNT for the first time since April.
Of course, her progress hasn't been lost on Gotham. The club recently signed Shaw to a contract extension through 2029.
"Everyone has been so welcoming to me and has made this place feel like home, and it's been a really easy transition for me," she said, days before her standout playoff performance.
Shaw's rising star takes flight in San Diego
One of the pioneers of the NWSL's U-18 entry mechanism, Shaw has always been comfortable following where the game takes her. But growth isn't always linear, and Shaw faced setbacks that all young footballers battle early in their careers. She burst onto the scene in 2022 at the age of 17, looking like the Wave's next cornerstone creator and immediately gelling with USWNT superstar Alex Morgan.
But things changed ahead of the 2025 season. San Diego made a swift coaching change, and Morgan rode off into the retirement sunset. That's when Shaw requested a move to the Courage. She wanted to play a higher-possession style that seemed to favor her instincts as a deep attacker or creative midfielder.
However, Shaw's style and the Courage's philosophy fairly quickly proved not to be a good fit. She struggled to marry her desire for fearless attacking with the club's more methodical approach, seeing less and less playing time. After winning Olympic gold with the USWNT in 2024, Shaw fell out of senior team consideration during the summer. She didn't wait long to request another change.
Gotham took a gamble on Shaw — and it's paying off
Gotham set a new intra-league transfer record bringing Shaw in midseason, betting big on her ability to change the tempo.
"The staff knew a little bit the way the first part of the season had gone for me as an individual," she said. "They really focused on the delivery of things towards me, making me feel really confident and comfortable in this environment."
The Gotham locker room presented very few question marks, packed with Shaw's USWNT teammates like Midge Purce, Rose Lavelle, and Emily Sonnett, as well as youth level compatriots like Lilly Reale, Sofia Cook, and Sarah Schupansky. But not only did she find connection off the field, she also took to the faster pace and heightened creativity on the pitch.
"I have freedom once I get to a certain part of the field, playing with risk-takers like Rose and Midge and Esthér," said Shaw. She was impressed by her teammates' bravery in one-on-one situations, not losing confidence even if combinations don't work right away. And the coaching staff supports them all the way.
"Trying [something] again without hesitation and not getting screamed at or pulled off the field, feeling like someone's ready to come in and replace you after you make a mistake, is something that I really feel in this environment," Shaw explained.
And the feeling is mutual. "Jaedyn, for me, is definitely one of the best players in the world," Gotham manager Juan Carlos Amoros said on Sunday. He credited her rejection of the team's underdog status as a feeling that permeated his entire squad.
"It's been so fun being a part of this club," Shaw told reporters. "We all knew that we were going to come into this game and give everything that we had."
Building a foundation as Shaw's USWNT ambitions rise
Shaw might have found immediate success, but she also stressed that her comfort at Gotham needs to be a foundation rather than a short burst of quality.
"I think this year has been a lot of mental growth," she said. "How do I weather storms? Recover from mistakes? Recover from losses? How do I recover from bad performances? That's the biggest thing for me, to continue growing as a player and a professional."
She wants to keep excelling with the USWNT, whether at the U23 or senior level, and Gotham has her back there. "I feel like [Gotham's] goals align with mine," she said. "They know how important the national team is to me."
Gotham also knows that much of the club's success hinges their young star's willingness to maintain the mental edge that propelled her initial rise.
"My style of play is very based on how I feel and how comfortable I am, how much I believe in myself, and confidence in the environment," she added.
Whether or not Shaw's resurgence can take Gotham all the way to their second NWSL championship is yet to be seen. But regardless, the dividends are already paying off for everyone involved.
"[Gotham's] brought me back to how I was when I was younger, the way that I trained and what got me to this place," Shaw said. "I feel like I'm playing with that joy, and that's really important to me."
The first time Washington Spirit midfielder Croix Bethune experienced an NWSL playoff game at DC's "Rowdy Audi" Field, it was from the sidelines. The promising young star had experienced a major setback, injuring her MCL while throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at nearby Nationals Park — just weeks after winning Olympic gold with the USWNT. "
"Sitting in the stands watching the game wasn't ideal," she told JWS this week. "But it was still very fun and very cool, just to have that whole experience, seeing Audi full and rowdy and the fans just very excited."
Bethune's changing fortunes — she'd go on to win both 2024 Rookie of the Year and Midfielder of the Year despite her late-August season-ending injury — underlined a 2024 season of extremes for the Spirit. Washington finished second in the NWSL standings, entering the postseason confident before ultimately ceding the championship game to Shield-winners Orlando.
This year, the club is hoping to finish the job, once again locked into second place and hunting the franchise's second NWSL title. And for Bethune and her teammates, the sense of deja vu is palpable.
The Spirit emerges from a season of constant change
The Spirit underwent their second midseason coaching change in two years this past June, when manager Jonatan Giraldez left to take over fellow Michele Kang-owned club, France's OL Lyonnes. Adrián González — last season's interim coach — reclaimed the team's top leadership role, guiding the Spirit to their second straight No. 2 finish in a surprising show of consistency for a club undergoing significant change.
"Things happen, not everything is permanent," Bethune said plainly, commenting on the staffing changes "I learned this in my college recruiting process: You don't pick a school for the coach, because the coach can always move."
And while Washington added significant depth over the course of 2025 — namely bringing on international standouts like Italy's Sofia Cantore and Nigeria's Gift Monday — the roster has struggled to overcome lingering injuries and absences. Bethune officially returned to play in April, registering two goals and two assists through 20 regular-season games, but overall availability has continued to plague the squad despite the training staff's best efforts.
Captain Andi Sullivan and starting outside back Casey Krueger are currently both on maternity leave. And superstar Trinity Rodman remains questionable after a freak knock to the knee in late October — two months after originally returning from a lengthy back injury.
Bethune misses NWSL Decision Day as injury issues take a toll
Last Sunday's Decision Day loss to the eliminated Utah Royals saw even more attrition, with impact players Leicy Santos, Gift Monday, and Rose Kouassi all left off the gameday roster. Even Bethune missed Sunday's regular-season finale with a thigh injury, though she's now listed as available after training alongside club medical staff this week.
This is when experience facing adversity comes in handy for the 24-year-old. "When I'm playing, I feel like I can see everything, but when you're not playing, you can really see everything," she said, stressing the perspective she's gained from sitting on the sidelines. "Just seeing how the game should flow, or how it is flowing."
Bethune has also learned to avoid pushing her body too hard if she's not feeling 100%, a mantra that can be both frustrating and, at times, liberating.
"I feel like, over the years, I've done very well at understanding when my body is telling me something, and listening to that," she said.
Returning from injury is difficult for any player, but particularly for those as creative on the pitch as Bethune. Known for confidence on the ball, audacious passing vision in the midfield, and the ability to turn towards goal herself if she senses weakness, the Georgia grad became a household name last year thanks to a free-wheeling partnership with fellow USWNT standout Rodman.
It took some time for Bethune to re-find her footing this season, learning how to not overthink exactly what makes her such a special player.
"Feeling like myself is just feeling like Croix Bethune," she said. "Doing what I do — momentum, rhythm, cheekiness, just feeling smooth and calm in the game."
Bethune looks to lean on Spirit culture ahead of quarterfinal test
Shaky availability — and the related threat of yet again falling short of the NWSL title — still looms over the Spirit as they head into this weekend's quarterfinal matchup against an extra-motivated Racing Louisville. But Bethune thinks the Spirit can lean on their depth for that creative spark, as injured players inch closer to a healthy return with every passing day.
"We're big on our culture," she explained. "The culture that we have off the field, within the team, is very strong. And when we incorporate the staff and the coaches, we're all on the same page."
Even without a full-strength roster, the Spirit have shown an ability to bend without breaking, riding the ups and downs of a topsy-turvy season without slipping from the league's top ranks. And that level of togetherness can be difficult to derail.
"Versatility, being close — we have a lot of options," Bethune said of her team's postseason strategy. "We have a lot of people that can play a lot of different positions."
"Once we get that rhythm," she added, "it's pretty scary for the defense."
When the WNBA announced that Golden State Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase won the 2025 Coach of the Year award last week, the honor underlined an incredible year for new coaching talent in women's basketball as this year's playoffs continue.
Nakase made headlines all season, leading Golden State to a historic playoff berth in the 2025 expansion side's first year. She stocked a brand new roster that excited fans across the country, and built the team's locker room culture from scratch. The result was flashy, modern basketball, based on playing hard, stretching the floor, and keeping the on-court tempo high.
"Her unique approach to leadership and ability to hold players accountable with care, while staying true to her values has been remarkable," Golden State GM Ohemaa Nyanin said of the debut head coach.
And as end-of-year award momentum grew, Nakase took the attention in stride.
"Nobody really cares [about awards], honestly," she said in early September. "I'm just being deadass, our goal is to make the playoffs. To think about it, it really should be coaching staff of the year."
Nakase's success is just another example of a league that's changing, as the coaching carousel widens and new philosophies enter the game, while younger prospects take on the mantle of head coach for the first time. Minnesota's Cheryl Reeve, New York's Sandy Brondello, and Las Vegas's Becky Hammon have become synonymous with the WNBA's elite, but new entrants like Nakase alongside Atlanta's Karl Smesko and Phoenix's Nate Tibbetts are infusing the league with new ideas — all while leading their teams to historic playoff berths.
A new generation of WNBA coaches make their marks
Even with coaching staff experience, becoming the head coach of a professional basketball franchise is never easy, Tibbetts told JWS earlier this month. He made the leap to the head coaching ranks in 2024, after spending more than 10 years as an assistant coach with multiple NBA teams including the Portland Trail Blazers and Orlando Magic.
"Any time you slide over those 12 inches, and go from one seat to the next seat, there's just changes," he said, noting that having the power of final say inevitably adds a whole new level of responsibility.
"When you're a head coach, you make decisions every day, and it's not just basketball stuff," he continued. "That is probably the thing that overwhelms you."
Nakase also entered the WNBA armed with NBA experience, joining Hammon's Las Vegas staff as an assistant in 2022 after a successful stint with the LA Clippers. She later moved into the head coach's box with two league championships under her belt, announced as Golden State's inaugural boss in 2024 before immediately setting a tone for the team's future.
"I'm taking a little bit of everything [from my past]," Nakase told JWS ahead of the 2025 season. "And I'm still constantly learning."
She recalled helping the Aces through their first title run in 2022, applying her small ball experience with the NBA to the team's matchup with the Connecticut Sun. "I remember Becky being super open with ideas, just kind of taking [that series] by the horns," she said.
In California, Nakase fell in line as a collaborative leader, transforming the squad from an unfamiliar lineup to a unified force by the end of their first regular season.
"An assistant coaching role is way different than a head coaching role, but who Natalie is to the core has stayed the same," current Valkyries — and former Aces — guard Kate Martin recently told San Francisco Chronicle. "She wants the best out of us. She's going to love you up, but also tell you what needs to be fixed — what you need to do to be better. And I think you can always appreciate that from a coach."
Over in Atlanta, Smesko's background looked a little different. He coached at the college level, successfully leading Florida Gulf Coast for more than 20 years before making the leap to the pros in 2025. He was known as an analytic wonk in NCAA circles, earning tournament berths on a strict system of three-pointers and post layups. Though he knew working with professionals required a slightly different approach.
"I was pleasantly surprised how coachable and how eager the players at the W level are to learn," he recently told JWS. "They want to be good. They want to be taught things that are going to help them become better players."
Smesko's biggest learning curve was less about responsibility, and more tied to process. He was surprised how much less time he had to implement systems in the fast-moving WNBA, where professionals tend to be less immersed in day-to-day basketball operations than student-athletes on a college campus.
"I think that forces you, as a coach, to really be deliberate and efficient," he said of the shift. "What are the things you're going to cover, and what are you going to try to get better at that particular day?"
The rookie coaches behind the WNBA's three-point revolution
Instituting a stretch offense — where guards and forwards pose legitimate threats from outside while opening interior space up inside for post players who can shoot — has been an ongoing project in the WNBA, and the league's newest coaching class has continued its evolution.
Basketball legend Candace Parker popularized the approach as a player in the 2010s, with Hammon later embracing it as a way to get the most out of versatile Aces forward A'ja Wilson.
While Smesko and his set certainly aren't draconian in their methods, stretch offenses have exploded in popularity this season. The highest-performing teams have consistently proven comfortable taking a healthy mix of shots from behind the arc. Nakase's Valkyries led the WNBA in regular-season three-pointers made with 427, followed closely by fellow postseason contenders Atlanta and Phoenix.
While established coaches like Brondello and Reeve also encourage players to let it fly, stretch offense devotees Nakase, Smesko, and Tibbetts helmed the year's top three teams in attempted three-pointers — with each landing more three-pointers than 2024's stat-leading team.
"It's just more space for everybody to work, more actual area for defense to cover and respect," Smesko said, noting that offensive decisions get easier when the opposing defense has to cover more ground.
Tibbetts credits the way the stretch system has entered the conversation at all levels. Coaching staffs are teaching players to optimize their points-per-shot percentage, essentially setting up every offensive action to be as efficient as possible well before they launch a high-value shot.
"[It's] just maximizing shot attempts, getting your players to understand the true values of what a shot looks like from a points-per-shot basis," he summarized.
Phoenix registered the third-highest regular-season pace of play in the WNBA in 2025, allowing for more possessions per quarter, and subsequently more shot attempts — not to mention a higher volume of three-pointer attempts. Roster construction also played into it, with Tibbetts and the Mercury's front office making sure to surround veteran inside players like MVP finalist Alyssa Thomas with teammates that understand how to push tempo and create space.
No matter what system you run, of course, any good coach also knows it's all about balance. "I don't think you need to overdo it," said Tibbetts. "There's a ton of smart players in our league."
Chasing WNBA teams — and coaches — at the top
There have long been plenty of smart coaches in the WNBA. And to some extent, Nakase, Smesko, and Tibbetts all run similar offenses to the league's current titans of success: Brondello, Reeve, and Hammon.
"We're all trying to catch those three," Tibbetts said, wondering aloud if WNBA teams have been casting wider hiring nets in an attempt to increase parity at the coaching level. "We've done a good job of adding talent in our league, but those three are the top tier, and we're all trying to get to that level."
Hammon received two WNBA Coach of the Year votes in the wake of Vegas's 30-14 run, while Reeves received two votes for her work leading the regular season's winningest team.
"All those teams have great players, and they're just very well coached," Smesko added, giving the Aces, Liberty, and Lynx props. "They're very disciplined. They have a plan. They follow that plan."
In Phoenix, Tibbetts posited that league experience and the proven ability to handle adversity make coaches like these difficult to de-throne.
"It's not like we're reinventing the game. They've been doing it, and now they've all got championships under their belt," Tibbetts said. "Nothing is new to them when it comes to this league."
Putting coaching perspectives to the postseason test
The new WNBA coaching class saw quantifiable regular-season success, but the first round of the 2025 playoffs emphasized that there's still room to grow before they truly threaten the WNBA's tactical elite.
Nakase's No. 8 seed Valkyries had their hands full against Reeve's No. 1 Lynx, ceding the series to the top seed in two games, despite a competitive final matchup at home. And despite sending the reigning league champion Liberty home with last week's decisive Game 3 win, Tibbetts's Mercury is off to a 0-1 semifinal start against Minnesota.
Smesko's Atlanta side also faced stumbling blocks, as the No. 3 seed suffered a last-minute Game 3 upset to No. 6 Indiana, stamping a successful season with a frustrating ending at home.
A playoffs exit stings, but it's far from a major setback for these early-career coaches. They value the intangibles over the Xs and Os, and players have responded to their guidance in kind.
"The organization as a whole, it's in a great direction," Atlanta guard Allisha Gray said after the Dream's final loss. "Karl, he has so much faith in us, and we proved a lot of people wrong this year."
"I just credit 'Big Wheeze' [AKA Smekso] for the turnaround," Gray continued. "He did a great job this year and brought the vision, and we believed in it."
Regardless of their postseason performance, the Valkyries have taken Golden State by storm, selling out their home slate while establishing themselves as Northern California's premier women's sports franchise. Nakase has embraced the warm welcome, developing a reputation for supporting her players and not being afraid to speak her mind.
"I love playing for a fiery coach who always wants to win and believes in her players so much," Martin said. "That hasn't strayed from Vegas to here, her belief in every single player she's coached."
It's eyes on the prize for this WNBA coaching class
While vital, coaching is just one ingredient in any team's success. And Smesko believes that the WNBA's competitive upswing is primarily fueled by one thing: the talent in the locker room.
"There's never been as many great players as there are right now," he reflected. "Combined with the movement that everyone is adopting, it leads to a really fun style to watch."
Even as their postseason hopes ebb, this generation of WNBA coaching talent is eager to get started on the future — especially as the league continues to pick up steam in both popularity and parity.
"The game is evolving, the sport is evolving," said Tibbetts. "But I think more than anything, it's just all the new eyes on this game."
UConn guard Azzi Fudd wears many hats.
She’s a sharp-shooter on the court and a rising superstar off the court. She's an NCAA national champion and a top WNBA prospect. She's a graduate student at one of college basketball’s preeminent programs. And she's already one of the most famous athletes in the women’s game.
But this week she adds a new title to her growing resume: co-host of Instagram’s latest episode of Close Friends Only along with Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers.
The podcast features Fudd chopping it up with Bueckers. The former UConn teammates chat about their immediate connection on and off the court, swapped style influences (Fudd is apparently a chronic clothes-stealer and listens to all of Bueckers’s Spotify playlists), who’s got the prettiest jump shot, and their favorite WNBA player. (“Probably Paige Bueckers,” Fudd answers readily.)
The two also discuss Meta Quest’s newest WNBA collaboration, a technology which gives fans a courtside view without having to leave the house.
“I was honestly shocked by how real it felt,” Fudd told Just Women’s Sports earlier this week. “Sometimes getting to a game is just unrealistic, so being able to have that as an option is incredible, and can open the game up to so many more people and fans.”
Azzi Fudd steps into the social media spotlight
Emerging from a college career previously defined by injury, Fudd and her UConn teammates finally reached their peak last April, winning the program’s 12th national championship — and its first since 2016. And while the victory checked a longtime bucket list item for the guard, she’s most grateful for her health.
“This has been my first offseason in a little while where I've been completely healthy,” she continued. “So that's been a fun change, getting to be healthy, work on some stuff, travel, relax with family — it's been great.”
Through it all, she’s certainly kept busy. If you’ve been following women’s basketball at all this summer, Fudd has been hard to miss. After the NCAA season ended, she made a high profile appearance accompanying No. 1 pick Bueckers to the 2025 WNBA Draft, going on to become a sidelines mainstay at Dallas games. She also made a splash at All-Star Weekend, and even started her own podcast, Fudd Around and Find Out.
The life of a burgeoning celebrity can be isolating, but Fudd represents a new generation of players ready to utilize social media to their advantage, both professionally and personally. There’s a light, lived-in touch to Fudd and her peers’ ability to connect with friends and family via social media channels while also maneuvering the booming cult of personality forming around the WNBA.
Fudd and Bueckers compare social media habits on 'Close Friends Only'
On Close Friends Only, Fudd and Bueckers banter about the benefits (and necessary etiquette) of labeling an Instagram story “close friends,” as well as their own social media habits.
“You post 10 times in the time it takes me to get one post up,” Fudd tells Bueckers, with her co-host copping to being the heavier Instagram user of the pair.
But beyond sharing with close friends, today’s women’s sports athletes are navigating an industry where follower counts can open sponsorship doors. And that’s clear whether players are promoting multi-million dollar brand deals or partying on a 72-hour All-Star Weekend livestream.
“I’m not the best poster,” Fudd admitted. “I do want to make my Instagram a little more casual. [There are] some great pictures in my camera roll that aren’t professional photographer-taken, done up like some Instagrams look.”
“I want it to be very much who Azzi Fudd is, and not just the great side,” she said of her online presence, describing herself as a lowkey person who wants to intuitively let people in on the real highs and lows of life.
But for someone who also calls herself a bad texter, Fudd’s grounded approach to social media does help her keep up with connections despite her packed calendar.
“I love talking on the phone, but who does that these days?” she laughed. “Being able to keep in touch, whether it's a teammate you played with a year ago or from middle school, just getting to get those updates through Instagram is amazing.”
From hard-launching Pazzi to special shared moments
Social media can be a powerful career builder, but young stars also have to figure out how to protect their peace amidst a firestorm of commentary, access, and speculation.
Fudd is no stranger to the dynamics of keeping private moments private while still finding ways to live their public lives authentically. She and Bueckers have threaded that needle with precision, with Bueckers only recently calling Fudd her girlfriend during July’s WNBA All-Star Weekend after months of soft-launch hints.
“I'm definitely someone who tends to keep more private,” Fudd said, noting that the impulse to document everything on social media can take away from staying present. “I don't mind sharing, but just naturally I'm more of a ‘share less’ person.”
Despite her inclinations, the duo has remained a remarkably open book. Fudd and Bueckers are easygoing about the fandom they’ve inspired, from laughing about watching their own fan edits on TikTok to sharing selfies containing clues about their relationship. As Fudd told JWS, she doesn’t think so much about the public’s response — she just enjoys capturing the little things.
“There’s so many special moments, whether you're sharing for other people or just for yourself,” she explained. “Your favorite meal, or your favorite sunset — things that make me happy and I get excited about.”
Azzi locks in ahead of final UConn season
Fudd is approaching her final college season, preparing to step up as UConn pushes for a repeat title. But if the 22-year-old is feeling pressure to stretch herself too thin these days, she isn’t letting it show.
She’s been in the gym, staying healthy and gearing up to take on an even larger role at UConn now that former on-court centerpiece Bueckers has flown the college coop.
She’s focusing on a routine social media followers don’t often get to see: rehab and recovery, eating and sleeping right, getting shots up, and hitting the weight room.
“I'm keeping the main thing basketball,” she said. “Without basketball, without putting in the time in the gym, making sure I’m getting my stuff done, I wouldn’t have all these opportunities.”
“I’m always taking care of [basketball] first,” she continued. “And then getting to enjoy all those things that come with it.”
And she won’t be alone when she heads back to Storrs this fall. The Huskies are returning a number of key national title run contributors, this time taking the court with Fudd leading the way from day one.
“Embracing that vocal leadership role is something I'm working on,” she said “Doing anything and everything I can to make sure that I'm helping my team, putting them in the best position to win and have a great season.”
As for social media, fans can be sure that wherever the season takes Fudd, they’ll be along for the ride.
The 2025 NWSL regular season returned this past weekend after a month-long international break, and the San Diego Wave are already ahead of schedule.
Because after a tumultuous end to 2024 followed by offseason roster and front office shakeups, the club has so far exceeded the soccer world's — and possibly even their own — expectations.
San Diego entered the second half of the year in third place in the NWSL standings, having lost only one of their last nine games before play suspended in late June. Along the way, the club produced a legitimate 2025 MVP candidate in forward Delphine Cascarino while also leaning hard into the league's youth movement, becoming the first NWSL club to start three 17-year-olds in the same match.
But as the second season starts to rev up, there are still lingering questions about the team's ability to create consistency on the pitch — not to mention the club's big picture plans.
The Wave know they don't have everything figured out just yet. But it's safe to say the light at the end of the tunnel showed up far sooner on the field than expected for a young team riding out a game-changing season.
Veteran Kailen Sheridan sees San Diego start anew
At the end of 2024, all San Diego Wave goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan wanted was a break from soccer.
A member of the Wave since their inaugural 2022 season, Sheridan saw her team abruptly plummet down the NWSL table after winning the shield in 2023, failing to make the playoffs for the first time in club history.
And the trouble wasn't contained to the field. Amid the skid, the Wave parted ways with head coach Casey Stoney, dealt with allegations of front office toxicity† linked to club president Jill Ellis, and saw USWNT legend and founding Wave star Alex Morgan's surprise retirement.
"I remember at the end of last season being kind of bombarded with everything, and not sure how we were moving forward," Sheridan told Just Women's Sports. "I want to be the best version of myself on the field and off the field. The people who were left felt that as well, and we needed some time away."
After a disappointing finish, San Diego saw further roster shifts dominate the offseason headlines. USWNT defender Naomi Girma transferred to WSL side Chelsea for a then-record transfer fee, while star-in-the-making Jaedyn Shaw requested a trade to the North Carolina Courage. Change appeared to be chasing the Wave whether the club's remaining players were ready or not.
"Honestly, it was a really rough couple of weeks," Sheridan continued. "But once we got out, we could turn our focus onto what this year could look like, how we could have a really strong year but also focus on our growth."
The growing pains hurt. But as more changes brought a shift in leadership and perspective, a blank slate also began to emerge. The team entered 2025 under new ownership. Ellis left for a role at FIFA while former Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall took over as head coach, setting a fresh tone across the franchise.
"For me, it was coming in with less expectation," said Sheridan. "More just being ready to work and put in the effort to create a new culture."
Young Wave star Trinity Armstrong takes a leap of faith
After winning a national championship in her first season with UNC, then-17-year-old Trinity Armstrong was looking for a challenge.
She decided to turn professional in 2025. She then entered the NWSL under the U18 mechanism — a legal process that allows underage players to pick their pro teams. The wide-open nature of San Diego's rebuild spoke to her.
"It felt like the best environment for me. To not only try and earn a spot, but then be a consistent starter," she told JWS. After Girma's transfer, the team needed a new cornerstone center-back. Armstrong felt emboldened by conversations with Eidevall about the team’s developing defensive identity.
Armstrong was keenly aware of the legacy left by departed Wave superstars like Alex Morgan and Abby Dahlkemper. She liked the idea of adding to that history while also making her own mark as her star grew.
"It felt like they had their own successes in the past. But from what I was hearing coming in, it was basically a brand new team," she continued. "I was very excited to be a part of that young group to rebrand ourselves and push forward."
In January, Armstrong signed a three-year deal with the Wave. And she already has 11 starts under her belt this season. She's particularly effective in possession, completing nearly 90% of her passes with the ability to cut through lines to spring play forward.
Teen Wave stars write a new chapter
Armstrong became a key component to the Wave's rebuild. She joined fellow teen talents Melanie Barcenas and Kimmy Ascanio playing Eidevall's preferred style of purposeful possession. In Eidevall's game plan, San Diego holds the lion's share of the ball, executing plays at a tempo that sets defenses on their heels.
The Wave relied on established internationals like Sheridan and Cascarino to propel them forward with consistency. But transitioning to quickly developing the team's youngsters also sets the club up for years to come.
"We were unsure of how they would gel at such a young age. And honestly, they've blown all of us away," Sheridan said of her new teammates. "We've been really impressed with their mentality — and their desire."
The respect is mutual. Armstrong credits Sheridan with helping her adjust while adopting the same emphasis on growth that's become the team's calling card.
"Kailen, coming in, she's been such a great mentor to me," Armstrong said. "She's been super encouraging. I can only speak good things about her."
San Diego finds its footing on the pitch
It's easy enough for confidence-building and good vibes to carry a team through preseason training. But once the regular-season whistle blew, both veterans and newcomers were happily surprised at how quickly they were able to produce.
"It was just so beautiful to see us connecting, seeing our midfield and our forward line have these great combinations and getting really good goals off of them," said Armstrong. "This could really be something that pushes us all the way to the championship."
"I honestly wasn't 100% confident in how successful we would be putting it all together right away," Sheridan recalled. "It's great to see that we've been able to get through those first couple hurdles of gelling and creating chemistry. We'll still hit a bunch of bumps going forward, but ultimately, I was confident in the individual talent."
Much of the credit goes to the homegrown focus Eidevall imparted on his new squad within his first few weeks.
"The drive was, how do I make each player better?" Sheridan said of her coach's approach. "That was humongous for us."
Eidevall made headlines during his time at Arsenal, where he won two FA Cups but could never seriously endanger Chelsea FC's dominant run. When the 42-year-old crossed over to the NWSL after mutually parting ways with the WSL last October, he arrived with a bottom-up perspective.
His players have responded in kind.
"The mindset to want to grow, to want to develop, that's been great from the players and from the staff," he recently told reporters. "The commitment to the team and to the group, that's such an important aspect. And you can see that these players create something special between them."
Anchors of the central defense, Sheridan and Armstrong both enjoy playing technical football. They like the ball at their feet, connecting out of the back to set up the dynamic midfield, and setting their frontline free.
With half a season to go, San Diego has already scored more goals than they did in the entire 2024 season. It resulted in the third-best goal differential in the NWSL standings.
"It's a very tight team," added Eidevall. "We see that when players are coming on from the bench. We see how the bench and the starting XI interact. And that's very important because at the end of the day, this is team sport."
Marching into the NWSL season's back half
July's break allowed players across the league the opportunity to reset. Armstrong spent her days caring for her rescue pit bull mix Mochi — adopted a few months ago from the local Humane Society — going on hikes and taking trips to the beach. She also celebrated her 18th birthday, graduating from the separate U18 locker room shared with Barcenas and Ascanio to join the rest of the team.
But while the Wave's turnaround looks to be in full swing, the real tests might still lie ahead. No longer a surprise, their opponents can now review tape on the team's first-half successes. They're able to better counter San Diego's new form.
On Saturday, the Wave restarted their 2025 campaign with another positive result, though one tempered with missed opportunities. Despite both out-possessing and generating more attack than the North Carolina Courage, San Diego settled for a scoreless draw. The outcome pointed to a strong performance from the defense, while also showcasing yet another opportunity for growth.
Sheridan doesn't appear to be too rattled. Returning refreshed, she's confident in her team's ability to recapture the continuity they so fluidly created at the beginning of the season. Just so long as they stick together.
"We've started with a mindset of 'Okay, we're back at zero,'" Sheridan said. "How do we want this to look, and how do we want to go forward from here?"
†An October 2024 lawsuit filed by five former club employees alleging the Wave of workplace misconduct remains active and unresolved.
The 2025 European Championship kicks off today in Switzerland, with this year's tournament set to have the largest US broadcast footprint in Women's Euros history.
All games are set to air live on FOX Sports, so Stateside soccer fans can enjoy some top-notch football alongside their morning cup of coffee. The 16-team event runs from July 2nd through July 27th, with a four-team group stage followed by quarterfinal, semifinal, and final knockout rounds.
To double down on US interest, more than a few Euro 2025 rosters feature standout NWSL players. The heroes of this year's UEFA Women's Champions League are also well represented, with top UWCL athletes vying for continental glory across the 16 national teams.
Still have questions about what to expect from the most hyped Women's Euros on record? Check out this handy group stage guide, setting the scene for USWNT and NWSL fans looking for a European favorite to cheer for throughout Euro 2025.
Group A: Finland, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland
Euros players to know:
Finland: Natalia Kuikka (Chicago Stars)
Iceland: Sveindís Jónsdóttir (Angel City)
Norway: Caroline Graham Hansen (FC Barcelona), Ingrid Engen (FC Barcelona), Ada Hegerberg (OL Lyonnes), Guro Reiten (Chelsea), Frida Maanum (Arsenal)
Switzerland: Ana-Maria Crnogorčević (Seattle Reign), Lia Wälti (Arsenal)
Major Euro 2025 storylines: You likely won't find a tournament winner in this group, with Group A's teams uniformly considered to be some of the weakest contenders. Despite serious talent, Norway has been an underachiever in recent years, though their positioning should see them sail through to the knockouts.
But Norway's stumbles might be the average fan's gain, as the right performance could always spell an upset. Iceland plays physical, end-to-end football, while Finland lists individual players that can flip a game on its head.
Host nation Switzerland isn't exactly considered a threat, but head coach Pia Sundhage (formerly of the USWNT, Sweden, and Brazil) brings a pragmatism that can stir up wins. But barring truly wacky results, Norway should make their way out of Group A on top. And with a little help, Iceland could join them by keeping games close.
Most likely to advance: Norway, Iceland
Group B: Belgium, Spain, Italy, Portugal
Euros players to know:
Spain: Aitana Bonmatí (FC Barcelona), Alexia Putellas (FC Barcelona), Esther González (Gotham FC), Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal), Leila Ouahabi (Manchester City), Salma Paralluelo (FC Barcelona)
Portugal: Jéssica Silva (Gotham FC), Nádia Gomes (Chicago Stars)
Italy: Sofia Cantore (Washington Spirit)
Belgium: Amber Tysiak (West Ham United)
Major Euro 2025 storylines: Spain is Group B's obvious frontrunner, and is considered one of the favorites to win the whole tournament. Their 2023 World Cup-winning roster remains mostly intact, stocked with enough international experience and on-pitch chemistry to intimidate any opponent. Spain's also got a solid track record against European competition, taking down continental neighbors en route to the World Cup knockouts before winning 2024 Nations League.
But despite high hopes to win a first-ever Euros, Spain's isn't invincable. The team is still dealing with availability issues stemming from both injury and their World Cup-related federation dysfunction. On-field, they can also fall victim to their own style of play. And while many of their players already play together at Barcelona, there's always a big difference between club and country.
Of course, these are minor criticisms for a Spanish side predicted to break out of their Euros slump. Spain should comfortably finish atop Group B, with a heated competition for second nipping at their heels.
Portugal, Italy, and Belgium have all seen success at the Nations League level. But they remain unproven on the greater global stage. Italy and Belgium have swapped important wins in recent matchups — including Belgium's upset over England — while Portugal has struggled to get results. That means Group B's second place slot is wide open, but Italy's roster depth might lead them to break ground.
Most likely to advance: Spain, Italy
Group C: Denmark, Germany, Poland, Sweden
Euros players to know:
Germany: Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham FC), Sara Däbritz (OL Lyonnes), Jule Brand (Wolfsburg), Lea Schüller (Bayern Munich)
Denmark: Pernille Harder (Bayern Munich), Janni Thomsen (Utah Royals), Josefine Hasbo (Gotham FC), Nadia Nadim (Hammarby, previously Racing Louisville)
Sweden: Magda Eriksson (Bayern Munich), Hanna Lundkvist (San Diego Wave), Sofia Jakobsson (London City), Kosovare Asllani (London City), Stina Blackstenius (Arsenal), Fridolina Rolfö (FC Barcelona), Lina Hurtig ( Fiorentina, previously Arsenal)
Poland: Ewa Pajor (FC Barcelona)
Major Euro 2025 storylines: The competition really starts to heat up when you reach Group C — at least on paper. Germany has won the Euros eight times, and consistently qualifies for major tournaments. Their struggles in the 2023 World Cup notwithstanding, Germany has never been a team that gets grouped easily.
But the other Group C teams could absolutely push through via talent and opportunity alone. Sweden has one of the deepest rosters in the competition, from UWCL winners to a wealth of international experience. Sweden in particular, as USWNT fans know, frequently starts a tournament looking like a frontrunner, blowing through teams before eventually fizzling out in the late rounds.
Both Denmark and Poland have attackers that can rise to the occasion on any given day. Poland is making their Euros debut this year, after putting in consistent performances against smaller countries with few big-name club players at their disposal. Denmark has performed similarly, though they've had trouble when up against more formidable competition.
Most likely to advance: Germany, Sweden
Group D: England, France, the Netherlands, Wales
Euros players to know:
England: Jess Carter (Gotham FC), Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride), Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Leah Williamson (Arsenal), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Alessia Russo (Arsenal), Lauren James (Chelsea), Aggie Beaver-Jones (Chelsea), Kiera Walsh (Chelsea), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United)
France: Griedge Mbock (PSG), Sandy Baltimore (Chelsea), Amel Majri (OL Lyonnes), Delphine Cascarino (San Diego Wave), Marie-Antoinette Katoto (OL Lyonnes), Kadidiatou Diani (OL Lyonnes)
The Netherlands: Vivianne Miedema (Manchester City), Daphne van Domselaar (Arsenal), Danielle van de Donk (London City Lionesses), Damaris Egurrola (OL Lyonnes), Kerstin Casparij (Manchester City), Dominique Janssen (Manchester United), Victoria Pelova (Arsenal), Jackie Groenen (PSG), Esmee Brugts (Barcelona), Sherida Spitse (Ajax)
Wales: Jess Fishlock (Seattle Reign), Angharad James-Turner (Seattle Reign), Gemma Evans (Liverpool), Hayley Ladd (Everton), Charlie Estcourt (DC Power FC), Sophie Ingle (Chelsea), Ffion Morgan (Bristol City)
Major Euro 2025 storylines: Mutually assured destruction? Even in a tournament with more than one competitive group, Group D is capital-D difficult enough that it's guaranteed to send a Euros front-runner home before they even reach the knockout stage.
Despite entering as the reigning European champs, England fans will have to do a quick assessment on the team's mental focus. Ups and downs in recent Nations League matches and more than one sudden high-profile retirement have recently called the squad's locker room vibes into question.
The Lionesses have been criticized for lack of roster rotation after their second-place 2023 World Cup finish. Coach Sarina Wiegman has quickly upended that status quo, however, making several major changes that left a younger, new-look team unsettled ahead of their 2022 Euros title defense. Of course, they still have the depth and style it takes to make a deep run this year, but they'll have to avoid lapses in play and shifting chemistry to get there.
As for France, Les Bleues have also grown more youthful, leaving longtime leaders Wendie Renard and Eugenie Le Sommer off the roster for the first time in recent memory. Reaching the semis in 2022, they've been contenders in every Euros cycle. But despite the strong showings, France has yet to lift a major international trophy.
The biggest thing holding France back is their own record. Les Bleues crashed out of the 2024 Paris Olympics on home soil after failing to make it beyond the 2023 World Cup quarterfinals. France could be a Euros favorite, but they'll have to make history to succeed.
The Netherlands might be the worst possible group stage assignment a team could draw aside from a clear frontrunner. The 2017 Euros champs arrive with serious experience, able to overpower any opponent with smart, matter-of-fact football. If France and England show weakness, expect the Dutch to ride physicality and speed all the way to the knockouts.
Armed with a surprisingly solid lineup led by NWSL legend Jess Fishlock, underdog Wales is here to play spoiler. If they grab points off mercurial England or pressure an underachieving France, these Euros debutants could have a real shot.
Most likely to advance: The Netherlands, England
How to watch UEFA Women's Euro 2025 in the United States
US viewers can catch all the Euros matches across FOX Sports. 19 matches will air exclusively on FOX, 11 airing on FS1, and one airing on FS2.
Cord-cutters can also access English-speaking Euro 2025 broadcasts live on Disney+ while VIX will carry the Spanish-language versions.
When San Diego's home match against the Washington Spirit ended in a 0-0 draw on June 22nd, the NWSL officially pressed pause on the regular season, entering an extended summer break as international tournaments kicked off around the world.
And while the US club league has dimmed its lights before — most recently during the 2024 Paris Olympics — this is the first year it's ever stopped play to accommodate major regional competitions like Copa América, WAFCON, and UEFA Women's Euro 2025.
Why the new approach? The league's global presence has never been stronger. And that's not just because high-profile players like Naomi Girma and Crystal Dunn swapped their NWSL jerseys for European kits earlier this year. It goes the other way, too. Once an assumed stronghold for homegrown talent, the NWSL has diversified its ranks, with top players heading overseas this window.
US broadcasters buy into growing Euros interest
No event has showcased this shift greater than the European Championship. The tournament was once siloed away from the average Stateside soccer fan. But this year, 18 NWSL players representing 12 countries are Switzerland-bound — three-times the number playing in England just three years ago.
And fans are ready to dig in. The 2025 Euros will be the most accessible in history, with FOX Sports recently doubling down on broadcasting the competition in the US.
The network has committed to 31 matches, including 19 games on linear TV and every knockout round match. It will also provide pre- and post-game analysis, aiming to develop a major market player while riding out the sport's popularity boom.
With increased visibility and plenty of familiar faces, NWSL fans are set to become Euro 2025's prime audience. And for players, showcasing the league's impact shapes the perception of football in the US, allowing the NWSL the opportunity to strengthen its reputation despite never taking the pitch this July.
Euros stars say perceptions of the NWSL are shifting
Only one NWSL player featured on England's 2022 Euros-winning roster. That was Houston forward-turned-defender Rachel Daly, before she returned to the WSL and retired from international play.
That number tripled in 2025, after Gotham FC defender Jess Carter, Spirit defender Esme Morgan, and Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse were called up to the Lionesses's title defense in Switzerland.
It's not Carter's first Euros, but this will be the first year she joins from an NWSL team. An England mainstay since her 2017 senior debut, she said she never felt like a move to the US would jeopardize her national team standing. Just so long as her performance stayed consistent.
"People were probably apprehensive about coming here before, because it's so far away from your family and friends," Carter told Just Women's Sports. "But also because the NWSL was traditionally known as just a transitional league. And to a lot of people in Europe, it wasn't technical enough."
Carter isn't alone in her assessment. Both Morgan and Moorhouse told JWS they were familiar with the NWSL's reputation as a "kick and run" league. Though that stereotype didn't match their experiences on the ground.
"Most [NWSL] teams are trying to play possession-based football, albeit a little more direct than Europe," Morgan said. "I think that's far more exciting to be a part of, and also more challenging as a defender because there are such fast transitions."
"The league is changing here in the US," echoed Carter, who departed Chelsea for Gotham in 2024. "It's becoming more technical."
NWSL play helped Morgan secure her spot with England
That hybrid style — plus more starting opportunities — have bolstered Morgan's status with England. Coach Sarina Wiegman already knew the Manchester City product as a powerful line-breaker on the ball. And her ability to wear down the low block while holding the lion's share of possession has only improved.
"I felt confident coming here," she continued. "As long as I continued to work on the things that I wanted to improve, and every weekend was putting in good performances for the Spirit, that would be enough to put me in the running for selection."
The NWSL's speed has also elevated her play. "[Wiegman] has spoken to me the last couple of times about being really pleased with what I've been able to do, in terms of being a little bit more aggressive, proactive, physical in my duels, and winning aerial balls," she said. "I've developed so much in that space since playing in America."
Both Morgan and Carter competed with England at the 2023 World Cup, 30-year-old Moorehouse is gearing up for her first major tournament with the national team. And coming from an Orlando side stacked with international talent — namely Brazil legend Marta and Zambia superstar Barbra Banda, among others — the goalie credited her NWSL team for keeping her on her toes every day.
"Marta humbles me on a daily basis, I'm not gonna lie," she laughed. "To see that day in-day out, it's only for the better. It's only going to improve my game."
Summer NWSL schedule benefits Euros-bound players
As coveted national team roster spots reflect both consistency and form, NWSL players have a quiet advantage. Thanks to the summer NWSL schedule, they're guaranteed to be completely match-fit going into any major tournament.
That the NWSL runs opposite to the more traditional fall-to-spring European setup has sometimes been a point of tension overseas. This was especially true in past years, when the league did not suspend regular-season play for more than a weekend or two during longer international windows. That practice forced previous Euros competitors to choose between club and country.
This year, however, players view the cross-conditioning to be as much of an asset as an anticipated challenge when they return to finish out the season.
"I spoke to quite a few of the US girls in the past about the fact that the summer schedule might have helped their performance in international tournaments," said Morgan, pointing out the NWSL-heavy USWNT's major tournament success.
"I feel like I'm peaking at the right time, going into the tournament in midseason," echoed Moorhouse, who is set to serve as backup to Chelsea goalkeeper and presumptive England starter Hannah Hampton.
Learning to balance club and country
Still, there are downsides. It's not always easy to travel in and out of market ahead of a big international opportunity, but each player finds their own way to stay on top of whichever task is in front of them, whether at home or abroad.
Sometimes that divide between club and country is literal. "We have a [NWSL] team app where we have communication," Gotham and Germany goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger told media after her Euros call-up. "I was like, 'Look, if you need something, you have to text me on WhatsApp. Because this app is not working for me when I'm at the international break, and the same way around.'"
For Carter, the NWSL's schedule helps her compartmentalize, keeping her laser-focused on both individual and team goals.
"I'm someone that either is all in or all off," she explained. "I've got to make sure that I'm still eating right, training right, when all I want to do is sit by the beach and have an ice cream."
"I want fans to fall in love with women's football even more"
Carter and Berger aren't the only Gotham standouts packing their passports this month. Star forward Esther González is also committed to play for the always-dangerous Spanish national team. Fellow forward Jéssica Silva will represent Portugal and recent signing Josefine Hasbo is set to join Denmark. And the excitement is palpable, both on and off the pitch.
"It's really great to see that our fans get to support us even whilst we're not at Gotham. Because they're invested in us as people, not just Gotham," says Carter. "I want fans to fall in love with women's football even more, regardless of where it's being played."
As for Morgan, she could be battling against the Spirit's newest signing, Italy's Sofia Cantore. The rest of their teammates will definitely be watching from home — along with a very special guest.
Before Morgan left, her teammates assured her they would be up in the morning cheering her on. "And mak[ing] my kitten watch too, which is very cute," she added.
She said she likes imagining NWSL fans following their favorite club players through the tournament, staying engaged in the game even as the league takes a break.
Encouraging NWSL fans to watch the 2025 Euros
Moorhouse echoed Morgan's hope that the Euros will allow US fans to continue weaving women's football into their lives during the downtime.
"In the US, when I get up on a Saturday morning, all the games are on," she said, referencing the time change. "To me, that's so cool. I'm eating my breakfast, drinking my coffee, and I've just got football on the telly."
"Go and get your breakfast," she urged. "Get your pancakes. And watch some good football."
Things got a little heated in the fourth quarter of last week's Washington Mystics win over Chicago.
The DC-based WNBA team held a slim 62-60 lead over the Sky, when a contested rebound turned into a jump ball that Chicago head coach Tyler Marsh strongly disagreed with — costing him a technical foul from the sideline.
Washington veteran Brittney Sykes could have taken the subsequent free throw, adding to a 32-point performance on a night when it felt like the 31-year-old couldn't miss. Fourth-year center Shakira Austin was also on the floor, as was third-year guard Sug Sutton.
Instead, the player stepping up to the stripe turned out to be rookie guard Sonia Citron. She calmly sank the shot for her 11th point of the game, giving Washington a little more daylight as they held on for their fifth win of the season.
Of course, Citron stepping up in the clutch is not exactly surprising. The Notre Dame alum has quickly made a name for herself in the early weeks of the 2025 WNBA season, alongside teammate and fellow first-round draft pick Kiki Iriafen — whose power was on full display Tuesday night as she battled with Sky forward Angel Reese.
"Kiki was in some foul trouble, but that didn't take away from her aggressiveness, and she played smart with fouls. You don't really get to see that with a lot of rookies," Sykes said after the game. "Soni came in. Soni does what she does."
And this past Sunday, they did it again. Taking the Dallas Wings to overtime, the Mystics rookies proved perfectly in sync. They executed a crucial jump-ball possession in the final seconds, before Citron hit the game-winner to top off a 27-point performance.
A little over a month in, Iriafen and Citron have already presented DC with a new dynamic duo. The pair embodies a new vision for the downtrodden Mystics — one that will hopefully return them to the WNBA's top ranks.
Washington's 2025 WNBA Draft night gamble
Following a breakthrough 2019 title win, Washington has sat in danger of spinning their wheels. They managed just two playoff berths in the last four seasons. They never failed to challenge opponents, but lacked the consistency necessary to keep up with the league's latest dynasties.
Then, in 2025, the Mystics took a risk. Faced with two paths — forge ahead with the status quo or attempt to start anew — they blew everything up. The team moved on from the father-son duo of general manager Mike and head coach Eric Thibault. Then, they brought on new GM Jamila Wideman and first-time WNBA head coach Sydney Johnson.
The team also doubled down on 2025 draft prospects, signing three first-rounders in No. 3 Citron, No. 5 Iriafen, and No. 6 Georgia Amoore, as well as retaining third-round pick Lucy Olsen out of Iowa. And despite hitting a setback after Amoore suffered a season-ending ACL injury during training camp, following the highs and lows of their youngest players has become the Mystics' new normal.
Thankfully, the trust in their rookies is paying off, with both Citron and Iriafen looking like naturals on the professional court — and averaging double-digit scoring along the way.
"They're going to move up in people's scouting reports. I'm pretty sure of that," Johnson said after the duo's first start, describing his rookies as simultaneously confident and coachable. Iriafen opened her career with a string of double-doubles, a feat that resulted in the 21-year-old's first Rookie of the Month award.
For her part, Citron trails only No. 1 draft pick Paige Bueckers in points per game among rookies. She also manages heavy minutes, recording more than 10 points in every game this season.
Suddenly, the Mystics' risky turnaround looks like a sure thing, thanks to a talented young pair who couldn't be more different from one another.
A smooth transition from college to the WNBA
Before the 2025 WNBA Draft, Iriafen and Citron only knew each other by force of reputation. They grew up on different coasts — Citron in New York, Iriafen in California — and only played each other once in college. That was during Iriafen's senior season as a USC transfer and Citron's final season at Notre Dame.
"I was kind of intimidated by her, I'm not gonna lie," Citron told Just Women's Sports with a smile, drawing a laugh from Iriafen. Even though, Iriafen admitted, she didn't know much about the Notre Dame guard either — other than that she was a beast on the court.
The two rookies didn't share much with one another on draft night. It was a hectic evening, filled with emotions, loved ones, and a very busy first round for the Mystics. But once the new recruits made their way into market, things began to lock into place.
"Since we got here, and I've been in DC, I feel like I've known her for years. We kind of just clicked instantly, along with Georgia and Lucy [Olsen]," Iriafen said.
The Mystics helped the newcomers transition from the college game to the pros. As Iriafen and Citron tell it, the entire organization made both rookies feel not just welcome but needed from the moment they stepped into training camp.
"One thing [Johnson] said early on was, 'With big opportunity comes big responsibility,'" Citron said. "And the fact that he trusted us and had confidence in us to say that and really believe it, I think it made us believe in ourselves."
"It feels like I'm a person," echoed Iriafen. "I don't feel like I'm just an athlete or just a business decision. I feel like this is my second family."
Mystics make room for the new kids
Washington has certainly tapped into their rookies' collective confidence, giving Iriafen and Citron far greater opportunities than many first-year players in the WNBA. The pair are trusted with both opening and closing rotations, leaning into the freedom to connect with players across the team.
Citron noted that her Notre Dame coaches were particularly excited for her to join the Mystics, knowing that she'd develop quickly through extended playing time. "Experience is the best way to learn. You're going to get thrown in the fire, and that's how you're going to become a great player," she recalls being told.
Iriafen voiced a similar feeling. "There's just so much opportunity here," she added. "That's why you're able to see a lot of success with us — we have the ability to play and make mistakes."
Far from intimidating, the pair say that their new teammates have embraced the rookie class with excitement and full support. And there seems to be few insecurities around the prospect of draftees walking in and taking their spots.
"We're not alone at all. It's not like we felt it's us versus them," said Citron. "In no way did it ever feel like it was [all] on our shoulders."
"I think that's really the essence of the Mystics as a family," said Iriafen. "You fight with your siblings, you don't always get along with your siblings. But at the end of the day, we're one family."
Iriafen and Citron learned to lean on their vets
Both players point to veterans on the Mystics squad who have stepped up to provide advice and encouragement — for Iriafen, it's Austin, and for Citron it's Sykes. Though they've also gotten plenty of help beyond Washington's roster.
"One thing that I've really appreciated being in the league so far is [how] the vets are talking to me even though we're on opposing teams," Iriafen said. "BG, Stewie, they're giving me advice on, 'Hey, I'm able to get you on this because of this and this.'"
"Kiki came in and she's not playing like a rookie," Atlanta Dream center Britney Griner confirmed after the Dream's June 15th win over the Mystics. "She wasn't scared of any of us out there. She's coming right at us. You see her working. She seems like an amazing person."
Washington's rookie performances have clearly been noticed throughout the league, with mutual respect mounting in every corner. The learning curve for a WNBA first-year is steep, and sometimes praise is hard to come by. But their hard work has set Citron and Iriafen apart from the pack.
"Sonia, her poise has always stuck out. Even when she was at Notre Dame," said Chicago's Marsh. "One of her greatest attributes is her ability to play at her own pace and not get sped up. And she's carried that with her into her early career here in W."
"And Kiki — her aggressiveness, offensively and defensively," he continued. "She's not afraid of the moment. She's not afraid of the matchups."
With Washington behind them, the rookies find their groove
With so many players and staff already firmly in their camp, it's easy for Citron and Iriafen to gas each other up. Iriafen describes Citron as "stone cold" and a "silent assassin," joking about how different they are when the competition heats up.
"I can be a little bit extra when I play, which I like," Iriafen laughed. "Soni's the opposite. The only time Soni makes a face is if her teammates do something."
On the other hand, Citron thinks Iriafen's passing ability is underrated, and notes that her teammate doesn't get guarded like a rookie — not a small feat considering the WNBA's elite post player lineup.
"People on the free throw line have to pinch her," Citron said. "We do that to the vets [when] we need help, like we can't do it on our own. And they're doing that to her as a rookie. That says something."
"Not only is she holding her own, she's excelling," she continued. "And seeing that is just incredible."
Occupying complementary positions on the court, fans can see the connection building between the pair as they evolve from executing set plays to moving instinctively around one another. Their chemistry is palpable on the pick-and-roll, stifling defenses with backdoor cuts in the post, trusting the exact right pass will arrive.
"It's not even something that I'm thinking about, my body's just doing it," said Iriafen. "I feel like she's always in the right spot."
"Soni just does all the little things," she continued. "She doesn't shortcut anything. She's doing the fundamentals, she doesn't cheat the game at all. And I think that's why she's able to be so successful."
Playing with joy, Iriafen and Citron eye the WNBA postseason
For all of Washington's early success, the organization understands that rebuilding is a process that takes longer than a single season. The Mystics currently sit at No. 9 in the WNBA standings with a 6-8 record, with the hope of turning close losses into wins as the year progresses.
That perspective hasn't deterred Citron and Iriafen, though, with the rookies making it clear they'd like to see Washington in the playoffs this season — while also knowing to measure success beyond wins and losses.
"It's about the sisterhood that we have, and the joy that we have playing together," said Citron. "So after 44 games, we want to still be able to be around each other, love each other like a family. Like sisters."
Iriafen said she wanted to remember her rookie year as one filled with joy. She defined the term as "when even in the tough moments, you're able to find the good in it."
"If I can look back and be like, this was such a joyful season, I was around so many people that brought me joy every single day, that would be a success," she said.
Welcome to another episode of Sports Are Fun!
Every week on Sports Are Fun! presented by Amazon Business, co-hosts soccer legend Kelley O'Hara, sports journalist Greydy Diaz, and JWS intern BJ serve up their hottest takes on the biggest women's sports headlines.
This week, retired NWSL great Merritt Mathias joined the Sports Are Fun! team once again. And while there was plenty of soccer and basketball talk throughout the episode, US tennis Coco Gauff and her 2025 French Open win took center stage.
"First and foremost, Coco Gauff," said O'Hara, setting the scene. "What an absolute victory for her — wins the French Open, beats Sabalenka. And she's talked about this win, how she has manifested this and the amount of mental visualization that she's put into it. youI'm curious, do you guys manifest?"
"Of course!" Mathias said with a laugh. "If you're not manifesting, what are you doing?"
"I really think we saw an incredible display of her mental toughness, her resilience, her composure, in that match," said Diaz. "And I'm just so proud of her. She's the first American since Serena Williams to win it in 10 years."
"I love the manifesting part. I love that she shares all of what she's willing to do in order to be great," added Mathias. "If you're a young girl wanting to play tennis, to see that there is so much that goes into being great other than just the practice... It's cool to do that. You should lean into that."
Alongside the French Open finalists, Sports Are Fun! also tackled the USWNT’s emerging core, Texas's Women's College World Series win, the NWSL standings, US Women taking home the grand prize at TST, and more.
'Sports Are Fun!' goes all in on the Gauff-Sabalenka rivalry
According to the Sports Are Fun! crew, the budding rivalry between Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka is just what the tennis world needs.
"Before we go to our next little topic, I think we have to talk about the post-game press conference," Mathias interjected. "Sabalenka basically comes off of losing this championship match. It's well fought. But over the course of the match, she has a lot of errors — I think it was 70."
"Obviously tensions are high — she started to unravel, we all saw the spiral happen on the court," she continued. "So she goes into this postgame presser and is asked a question about the match, and she's basically like, 'I don't believe Coco Gauff played well or had an incredible game, I think I struggled and had a lot of errors.'"
"Both of those things can be true," O'Hara said. "If you didn't have a great match but Coco did have a good match, you can say both. But she was not."
"You should be gracious in defeat, right?" she continued. "And it is very difficult as an athlete at times. I've seen many people, myself included, say things post-match that I wish I could take back."
"10,000%," agreed Mathias. "But I think this is also what the tennis world always wanted Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams to be, which was never that — Maria Sharapova was never stepping even close to Serena Williams. This though? This is epic. This is like Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer on the women's side."
"Yeah," O'Hara agreed. "We now have our two athletes that are going to go head-to-head, expected to be in the finals."
"And one bit of a head case, so it makes it even better," laughed Mathias.
About 'Sports Are Fun!' with Kelley O'Hara
'Sports Are Fun!' is a show that’ll remind you why you fell in love with women's sports in the first place.
Join World Cup champ, Olympic gold medalist, and aspiring barista Kelley O'Hara as she sits down with sports journalist Greydy Diaz and a revolving cast of co-hosts and friends. Together, they're talking the biggest, funnest, and most need-to-know stories in the world of women’s sports.
From on-court drama to off-field shenanigans, to candid (and silly) chats with the most important personalities in the space, this show screams "Sports Are Fun!"
Subscribe to Just Women's Sports on YouTube to never miss an episode.
Welcome to another episode of Sports Are Fun!
Every week on Sports Are Fun! presented by Amazon Business, co-hosts soccer legend Kelley O'Hara, sports journalist Greydy Diaz, and JWS intern BJ serve up their hottest takes on the biggest women's sports headlines.
This week, the Sports Are Fun! team is joined on the couch by hit women's soccer-focused social media and podcast duo Alanna Locast and Shannon Fay of SoccerGrlProbs to talk — what else? — the state of head coach Emma Hayes's ever-evolving USWNT.
Firstly, they get to work hashing out the US national team's 3-0 win over China PR — and which USWNT player they think has a shot to make the 2027 World Cup roster.
"We're going to start with women's national team winning 3-0 against China on Saturday," O'Hara introduces. "They won with goals from Cat Macario, Sam Coffey, and Lindsey Heaps — not
Horan, I'm starting to get that right."
"It's not a major tournament year, so this is just a friendly," she continues. "I'm curious if anybody has initial thoughts from this game?"
"It's very fun to see the unpredictability watching them play," says Locast. "We've seen the style that the US plays and you expect where certain players are going to be. I'm watching, and the creativity and just how unpredictable they are, I would not want to mark those three forwards."
"I agree," says O'Hara. "It's very clear that Emma is laying the foundation in a way that everybody understands what their total shape should look like at any point during the game, not just where they specifically should be. Which I think is a really important part of the evolution of the team."
"It's fun to watch. The player pool is so deep now," echos Fay. "I know she wants to have an idea on the team by June, so what's going to happen? I don't know."
Along with the recently USWNT friendlies, the Sports Are Fun! crew also tackles NCAA softball's Women's College World Series, US stars dominated the French Open, the recent Grand Slam Track event, and so much more.
Intern BJ digs up a spicy Pride month throwback
Before the Sports Are Fun! regulars get into all things USWNT, however, intern BJ gifts everyone a very special throwback social media clip in honor of LGBTQ+ Pride month.
"You guys, I want to say happy Pride month," BJ says to the group. "Specifically happy Pride month to Kelley, because a listener DM'd me yesterday and shared a fun little memory of Abby Wambach and Sydney Leroux on the US national team a couple years ago..."
"This wasn't a couple years ago!" says O'Hara, squirming. "This was 10 years ago."
"You know what? I was being generous," quipped BJ. "But it's y'all checking a coach of another team."
"Wooow, Kelley," laughs Diaz.
happy pride month yall 🌈 pic.twitter.com/EZiBMJs387
— r✨ (@21jflem) June 1, 2025
"For those who are listening, it's a series of gifs of Abby, Kelley, and Sydney Leroux. And the coach walks by and they're like, 'She's kind of hot,'" BJ says as the crew cracks up. "They're full, like, dogs are barking."
"Oh my God," laughs O'Hara. "I've seen this before pop up on the socials. And I didn't remember this happening, but then when it came up again, obviously this did happen. And I do think that is what we were saying. I'd need to call Abby to confirm."
"You don't need to call anyone, because your lips are saying exactly those words," says Locast.
About 'Sports Are Fun!' with Kelley O'Hara
'Sports Are Fun!' is a show that’ll remind you why you fell in love with women's sports in the first place.
Join World Cup champ, Olympic gold medalist, and aspiring barista Kelley O'Hara as she sits down with sports journalist Greydy Diaz and a revolving cast of co-hosts and friends. Together, they're talking the biggest, funnest, and most need-to-know stories in the world of women’s sports.
From on-court drama to off-field shenanigans, to candid (and silly) chats with the most important personalities in the space, this show screams "Sports Are Fun!"
Subscribe to Just Women's Sports on YouTube to never miss an episode.