🏀 USC Media Lab – Fresh Updates

⭐ Kiki Iriafen: Rookie Dominance in the WNBA

USC alum Kiki Iriafen is making a historic mark in her first pro season with the Washington Mystics:

  • WNBA Rookie of the Month (May 2025) – Averaged 13.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, and posted four straight double-doubles to open her career, a first for a Mystics rookie.

  • Franchise rookie rebounding record – Recently grabbed her 247th rebound, surpassing Chamique Holdsclaw’s long-standing mark.

  • Nine double-doubles this season – Tied for fifth in the league, and the only Mystics rookie to post four in her first five games.

  • 2025 WNBA All-Star reserve – Earned her spot alongside fellow rookie Sonia Citron, marking the first time in franchise history two rookies were All-Stars in the same year.

Kiki’s relentless motor, skill development, and consistency are cementing her as one of the most impactful rookies in recent WNBA history—and another testament to the elite preparation USC delivers for the pro game.

🎬 Superhero Video Premieres Today

The wait is over—our brand-new USC Women’s Basketball Players as Superheroes video drops today on our YouTube channel.
We’re matching the Trojans’ top players with superhero alter-egos based on their skillsets, personalities, and on-court powers. Expect big energy, bold visuals, and a few surprises you won’t see coming.

🎙 Coming Monday – The Nikki Blue Podcast

Next up: this Monday, don’t miss our exclusive sit-down with Nikki Blue. We dive into her legendary UCLA playing days, her WNBA coaching career, and her new role at USC. Expect insight, laughs, and some behind-the-scenes Trojan culture moments.

📌 Around the WNBA

  • The Mystics are emerging as one of 2025’s biggest surprises, fueled by their young core of Brittney Sykes, Sonia Citron, and Kiki Iriafen.

  • Washington continues to compete hard, even in tough matchups like their recent 88-83 battle against the Golden State Valkyries.

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Editorial: Why USC—And Many Colleges—Don’t Publicly Announce When Recruits Visit Campus