Kiki Iriafen Biography: Washington Mystics Forward, NCAA Star & WNBA Top Pick

Kiki Iriafen is an American professional basketball player who currently plays forward for the Washington Mystics in the WNBA. Recognized for her dominant scoring, rebounding, and versatility, Iriafen was selected fourth overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft and is considered one of the most promising young talents in the league.

Kiki-Iriafen
Kiki-Iriafen for FemaleSports.in

Early Life and Background

  • Full Name: Okikiola “Kiki” Iriafen

  • Date of Birth: August 26, 2003

  • Hometown: Los Angeles, California

  • Height: 6’3″ (1.91 m)

  • Weight: Not widely listed

  • Position: Forward

  • Family:

    • Daughter of Yemi and Harrison Iriafen

    • Has two younger siblings: Shuby and Oyinkan

  • High School: Harvard-Westlake School, Los Angeles

    • Two-time Los Angeles Daily News Player of the Year

    • McDonald’s All-American (2021)

    • Jordan Brand Classic All-American (2021)

    • School record holder in points (2,454) and rebounds (1,655)

    • Three-time Mission League champion (2018, 2020, 2021)

    • CIF Southern Section Division 1 champion (2020)

    • CIF Open Division runner-up (2018)

    • Four-time All-Mission League (2018–2021)

    • Two-time Mission League MVP (2020, 2021)

    • Division 1 John Wooden Award winner (2020)

    • Five-star recruit, ranked ninth in the 2018 class by ESPN

College Career

  • Stanford Cardinal (2021–2024):

    • Freshman: 4.2 points, 2.2 rebounds per game, Pac-12 All-Freshman honors

    • Sophomore: 6.7 points, 3.8 rebounds per game

    • Junior: 19.4 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists per game

      • Pac-12 Most Improved Player of the Year

      • All-Pac-12 Team

      • WBCA All-America Honorable Mention

      • Associated Press All-America Honorable Mention

      • Ball Dawgs Classic MVP

      • ESPN National Player of the Week (Jan. 22)

      • Pac-12 Player of the Week (Jan. 22)

      • USBWA Ann Meyers Drysdale National Player of the Week (Nov. 14)

      • Portland Regional 4 All-Tournament Team

      • Scored a career-high 41 points (with 16 rebounds) in 2024 NCAA Tournament

  • USC Trojans (2024–2025):

    • Transferred to USC for her final college season

    • 2024 Katrina McClain Award winner (nation’s top power forward)

    • Continued to develop as a leader and dominant force in the college game

Professional Career

  • WNBA Draft: 1st round, 4th overall, 2025 WNBA Draft by Washington Mystics

  • Teams:

    • Washington Mystics (2025–present)

  • WNBA Stats (2025):

    • Early in her rookie season, expectations are high based on her college dominance

    • Projected to be a key contributor in scoring and rebounding

  • Overseas/Other:

    • Has not yet played overseas as of June 2025

Achievements & Honors

  • Washington Mystics (WNBA, 2025)

  • Katrina McClain Award (2024)

  • Pac-12 Most Improved Player of the Year (2024)

  • All-Pac-12 Team (2024)

  • WBCA All-America Honorable Mention (2024)

  • Associated Press All-America Honorable Mention (2024)

  • Ball Dawgs Classic MVP

  • ESPN National Player of the Week (Jan. 22, 2024)

  • Pac-12 Player of the Week (Jan. 22, 2024)

  • USBWA Ann Meyers Drysdale National Player of the Week (Nov. 14, 2023)

  • Portland Regional 4 All-Tournament Team (2024)

  • McDonald’s All-American (2021)

  • Jordan Brand Classic All-American (2021)

  • Two-time Los Angeles Daily News Player of the Year

  • Harvard-Westlake all-time leader in points and rebounds

  • Three-time Mission League champion

  • CIF Southern Section Division 1 champion

  • CIF Open Division runner-up

  • Four-time All-Mission League

  • Two-time Mission League MVP

  • Division 1 John Wooden Award winner

Playing Profile

  • Strengths:

    • Elite scoring and rebounding

    • Versatile defender and shot-blocker

    • High basketball IQ and leadership

    • Clutch performer in big games

  • Style:

    • Aggressive, dynamic forward who excels in transition and half-court offense

    • Brings toughness, championship experience, and a team-first mentality

FAQs About Kiki Iriafen

What position does Kiki Iriafen play?
Forward

Which team does she play for?
Washington Mystics (WNBA)

How old is Kiki Iriafen?
21 (born August 26, 2003)

What are her main achievements?
Katrina McClain Award, Pac-12 Most Improved Player of the Year, All-Pac-12 Team, WBCA and AP All-America Honorable Mention, McDonald’s All-American, Jordan Brand Classic All-American, two-time Los Angeles Daily News Player of the Year, Harvard-Westlake all-time leader in points and rebounds

What is her playing style?
Versatile, aggressive forward with elite scoring and rebounding

Conclusion

Kiki Iriafen is a dynamic and accomplished forward whose scoring, rebounding, and leadership have made her a valuable addition to the Washington Mystics and one of the most exciting young prospects in women’s basketball.