An All-Star Rookie, a Case of Mistaken Identity, and a Rivalry in the Making

In the ever-growing landscape of women’s basketball, new stars are emerging every season — and in 2025, few rookies have made a splash quite like Sonia Citron of the Washington Mystics. The Notre Dame standout, selected third overall in this year’s WNBA Draft, has quickly silenced doubters and matched — in some eyes — the sensational debut year Caitlin Clark had in 2024.

But as Citron’s profile rises, so too does the spotlight, and with it comes the occasional awkward — and frankly hilarious — encounter.

Recently, Citron sat down with Monumental Sports Network for a lighthearted interview segment, where she answered eight rapid-fire questions. One question in particular led to a moment that has since gone viral among WNBA fans.

“What’s the weirdest place you’ve been recognized as a basketball player?”

Sonia didn’t hesitate before launching into a story that had the entire set laughing — and the internet buzzing.

“Are You Caitlin Clark?” — A Hilarious Mix-Up in South Bend

Citron recalled a day during her time at Notre Dame when she was out for a casual meal with two close friends in South Bend. Nothing unusual — until a fan approached their table, clearly starstruck.

“This guy came up to me, and he was super excited,” Citron recounted with a grin. “He was like, ‘Oh my goodness! Are you Caitlin Clark?!’”

Flattered but stunned, Citron tried to let him down gently.

“He asked for a signature, a picture… and I had to tell him, ‘It’s not me, you know.’”

The moment was innocent but unforgettable — a reminder of how instantly recognizable (or, in this case, confusingly similar) WNBA stars can be in the public eye, especially as the league gains national attention.

Both players are roughly the same height — Citron is listed at 6-foot-1, while Clark stands at 6 feet even. Still, to anyone who follows the sport closely, their on-court styles are vastly different: Clark, known for her deep three-point range and flair, versus Citron, who brings defensive grit and versatile scoring.

Sonia Citron’s Rookie Season: Living Up to the Hype

Mistaken identity aside, Citron is making a name for herself — and fast. Through 23 games this season, the rookie sensation is averaging:

13.8 points per game

4.9 rebounds

2.2 assists

1.1 steals

That’s a stat line many veterans would be happy with, let alone a first-year player transitioning from college to pro basketball. Citron has become a core piece of the Washington Mystics roster, demonstrating poise, adaptability, and star potential on both ends of the court.

She was rewarded with her first All-Star selection, where she competed on Team Clark — yes, the same Caitlin Clark she was once mistaken for.

Team Clark vs. Team Collier: All-Star Performance and Absence

In the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, Citron put up a solid performance, tallying:

11 points

2 rebounds

2 assists

Unfortunately, Caitlin Clark was unable to suit up due to a nagging groin injury that also kept her out of several regular-season games leading into the break.

Still, Citron made the most of her opportunity, shining on a national stage while helping keep her team competitive in what turned out to be a high-scoring, fast-paced affair. Team Collier eventually won 151–131, but Citron’s All-Star debut left a lasting impression.

The Rising Rivalry: Mystics vs. Fever — Citron vs. Clark

The story between Sonia Citron and Caitlin Clark doesn’t end with a mistaken autograph. In fact, the two are now central figures in a growing on-court rivalry between the Washington Mystics and Indiana Fever — both teams currently battling for the final two playoff spots in the WNBA.

In their first meeting of the season on May 28, the Mystics walked away with a win. Clark and the Fever answered back with a victory on June 3, setting the stage for a rubber match later this summer.

Upcoming Matchups:

August 15 – Mystics @ Fever (7:30 PM EST)

September 7 – Fever @ Mystics

Both games could prove decisive in determining playoff seeding — or whether either team makes the postseason at all. And with two of the league’s most popular young stars facing off, fans can expect an electric atmosphere.

Caitlin Clark’s Injury & Return Timeline

As of late July, Clark is still recovering from a groin injury sustained earlier in the season. Though she missed the All-Star Game, the Indiana Fever recently offered an optimistic update:

“Caitlin Clark underwent further medical evaluations earlier this week, which confirmed that no additional injuries or damage were discovered,” the team said in a statement.

There’s no official timetable for her return, but with critical games ahead — including the August showdown against Citron’s Mystics — fans and analysts alike are hopeful she’ll be back soon.

A League of Young Stars

Both Clark and Citron are part of a youth movement transforming the WNBA. They’re not just rookies putting up numbers — they’re faces of franchises, emerging marketing icons, and central figures in the league’s growth strategy.

Their rise also reflects a deeper trend: WNBA fandom is evolving. The days when players could walk into a restaurant unnoticed are fading fast — although, as Citron’s story proves, people still occasionally confuse their stars.

The Bigger Picture: Respect, Visibility & Personality in the WNBA

Citron’s story also speaks to a changing landscape in women’s sports. Visibility is growing, personalities are shining, and off-court stories — no matter how awkward or funny — are becoming just as essential to building the league as points and rebounds.

Whether it’s Clark’s logo threes, Citron’s defensive highlights, or a random restaurant story, fans are beginning to see these players as real people. And those moments — relatable, unscripted, authentic — are what build loyalty and lasting interest.

Final Thoughts

Being mistaken for Caitlin Clark might have been a cringe-worthy moment for Sonia Citron at the time, but now it’s just another chapter in her rising star story. With every game she plays and every fan she wins over, Citron continues to prove she’s not a copy of anyone — she’s the original, one-of-a-kind Sonia Citron.

As the WNBA playoff race heats up and stars like Citron and Clark return to full form, the league is in for a thrilling finish. And who knows? Maybe next time a fan spots Citron in public, they’ll get the name — and the autograph — exactly right.