Kiki Iriafen rewrites Mystics history.
Former WNBA Star Loses Mystics Record to Kiki Iriafen originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Washington Mystics rookie Kiki Iriafen has made history. The 21-year-old forward now holds the franchise’s all-time rookie record for the most rebounds in a single season, ending a mark that stood for more than two decades.
The Mystics announced the milestone on their official Instagram page, confirming that Iriafen collected 247 rebounds during the 2025 season, surpassing the record set by WNBA legend Chamique Holdsclaw in 1999.
Holdsclaw’s record, 246 rebounds in 31 games, had been untouched for 26 years. While Iriafen’s total came in fewer games, the achievement underscores her impact in a season where she has already earned All-Star honors. She has established herself as a core piece in Washington’s future.
Kiki Iriafen Surpasses Chamique Holdsclaw’s Record
Holdsclaw was one of the biggest stars in WNBA history when she joined the Mystics as the No. 1 pick in the 1999 draft. She became a three-time All-Star in her first three seasons and averaged 17.4 points and 8.4 rebounds per game during her six years in Washington before being traded to the Los Angeles Sparks in 2005.
Her rookie rebounding record, once thought untouchable, fell to Iriafen.
Selected No. 4 overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft, Iriafen quickly became Washington’s most reliable rebounder. Earlier this summer, she had already broken Holdsclaw’s rookie double-double record with seven in the first half of the season.
Kiki Iriafen’s Rise in a Season of Change
While the record-breaking performance is a personal highlight, Iriafen’s rookie year has unfolded during one of the most turbulent stretches in Mystics history.
The team traded away Brittney Sykes, their All-Star guard, and Aaliyah Edwards, a promising young forward, in back-to-back days before the WNBA trade deadline, according to Just Women Sports. Those moves left Iriafen and fellow rookie Sonia Citron with even more responsibility in the starting lineup.
Iriafen admitted the reality of professional basketball hit her hard after the trades.
“I think this is kind of my welcome to the W moment,” she told The Washington Post. “It’s tough losing teammates who mean so much to you, but this team has grit, and we’re going to figure it out.”
Despite the changes, Iriafen has kept her focus on growth. She has averaged around 12.1 points and 8.2 rebounds per game this season, making her one of the most productive rookies in the league.
Beyond the rebound milestone, Iriafen’s 2025 campaign is packed with historic notes:
- Rookie of the Month (May 2025): Averaged 13.9 points, 10.1 rebounds and one assist.
- Four straight double-doubles in her first five games.
- Fastest Mystics rookie to 100 points and 80 rebounds (just 8 games).
- First Mystics rookie All-Star since 1999.
Standing 6-foot-3, Iriafen combines the physical presence to dominate in the paint with enough mobility to guard multiple positions. Her rebounding instincts have already drawn comparisons to the league’s elite forwards.
What Comes Next for the Washington Mystics?
The Mystics may be in the middle of a roster rebuild, but Iriafen’s emergence has given the franchise a clear cornerstone to build around.
For now, Iriafen is keeping her focus simple: keep rebounding, keep improving and help the Mystics fight for a playoff spot.
Holdsclaw’s long-standing record may have fallen, but even the legend would agree; this is just the start for Kiki Iriafen.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
