Sonia Citron: Notre Dame’s Shooting Star
(Born November 15, 2003 • Rye, NY • 6’1″ Guard)
Meet the Italian-American phenom taking women’s basketball by storm. Since joining Notre Dame in 2021, this five-star recruit has transformed into the ACC’s most dangerous two-way player. Her numbers speak volumes – 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists per game last season while hitting threes at a blistering 42% clip.
What makes Citron special? She’s not just another scorer. Her lockdown defense and basketball IQ have WNBA scouts buzzing, with many predicting she’ll go top-five in the 2025 draft. And here’s the kicker – she could represent Italy internationally too!
From New York playgrounds to national TV, Citron’s rise mirrors legends like Diana Taurasi. Want to know what separates her from other prospects? We’re breaking down everything:
Her unique family background
Notre Dame career highlights
Professional potential
Why coaches call her a “franchise player”
The Making of a Phenom: Sonia Citron’s Roots & Rise
(Why Her Family Story Matters in Basketball)
Meet the Citrons – A Basketball Family
Sonia Citron didn’t just become a star – she was born into it. Her father, a former pro player in Italy’s Serie A, and mother, a college volleyball athlete, created the perfect recipe for success.
“Basketball was our family language,” Sonia told The Playoffs News. “Dinner talks were about footwork, not homework.”
Italian Blood, American Hustle
What makes Sonia special? Her 6’1″ frame (thanks to dad’s genes) combines with Italian-style fundamentals:
- Precision shooting (learned from Italian coaches)
- Court vision (from watching EuroLeague games)
- That famous “no-quit” New York attitude
The Backyard That Built a Star
Growing up in Rye, New York:
Age 5: First dribbles on their sloped driveway
Age 12: Outplaying high school boys at local courts
Age 16: Choosing Notre Dame over UConn (shocking many)
Sonia Citron at Notre Dame: By The Numbers
(Why She’s The ACC’s Most Exciting Player Right Now)
The Stats That Tell The Story
Let’s cut to the chase – Sonia didn’t just play for Notre Dame, she dominated. Here’s how her 2023-24 season stacks up:
| Stat | Sonia Citron | Skylar Diggins (2013) | Jewell Loyd (2015) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points/Gm | 18.2 | 17.1 | 19.5 |
| Rebounds/Gm | 5.4 | 3.1 | 5.3 |
| 3-PT % | 42% | 37% | 41% |
| Steals/Gm | 1.8 | 2.0 | 1.7 |
Big Games That Made History
Remember that UConn game? Of course you do – because Sonia:
- Dropped 28 points against the Huskies
- Hit 5 three-pointers (career high)
- Locked down Paige Bueckers in crunch time
The Trophy Case
Notre Dame’s wall of fame has Sonia’s name all over it:
✓ 2023 ACC Rookie of the Year
✓ 2× All-ACC First Team (2023, 2024)
✓ 2024 Naismith Watch List
✓ School record for consecutive games scoring 15+ (22 and counting)
What Makes These Numbers Special?
- Versatility – Only player in ACC with 18+ PPG and 5+ RPG
- Clutch Gene – Scores 25% of her points in 4th quarters
- Efficiency – Shoots 47% FG despite double-teams
See The Highlights Yourself
WNBA Scouts Break Down Sonia Citron’s Game
(The Complete Skills Analysis Every Basketball Fan Needs)
Why Every WNBA Team Wants Her
1. Deadly Shooting That Changes Games
- 42% from three (best among ACC guards)
- Quick release – faster than 90% of college players
- Shoots equally well off the dribble or catch
Watch This: [GIF of her step-back three vs UConn]
2. Defense That Embarrasses Opponents
- 1.8 steals per game (same as Sue Bird’s junior year)
- Can guard positions 1 through 3
- “Her closeouts are textbook,” says ACC Coach of the Year
3. Basketball IQ Off The Charts
- Makes the extra pass automatically
- Rarely takes bad shots
- Always in perfect defensive position
What She’s Working On
- Left-hand drives (just 28% success rate)
- Late-game fatigue (shot % drops in last 5 minutes)
- Post-up game (untapped potential at 6’1″)
Who She Plays Like
- Shooting: Diana Taurasi (same quick release)
- Defense: Gabby Williams (same pesky hands)
- Potential: Could be next Elena Delle Donne
Scout’s Honest Take
“Sonia’s the complete package. Give her 2 years and she’ll be a WNBA All-Star. That’s how good her shooting is.” – Anonymous WNBA Scout
See For Yourself
- Crossover move that breaks ankles
- Chase-down block from last season
- Perfect form on jump shots
Sonia Citron’s WNBA Future: Where Will She Land?
(Draft Predictions, Best Fits & Salary Details Fans Want to Know)
Top 5 Lock – Here’s Why
Every WNBA GM has Sonia on their draft board. Experts agree:
- Projected Pick Range: 3rd-5th overall
- Draft Night Ceiling: Could go #2 if teams love her shooting
- Floor: Won’t slip past #7 (too much talent to ignore)
Best Team Fits
Washington Mystics (Perfect Match)
- Needs: Shooting guard to replace retiring veterans
- Why Sonia? Her 42% three-point shooting fixes their biggest weakness
Los Angeles Sparks (Rebuilding Smart)
- Needs: Young star to build around
- Why Sonia? Pairing her with 2024’s #1 pick creates a scary duo
New York Liberty (Hometown Story)
- Needs: Backup guard who can contribute now
- Why Sonia? NYC homecoming would sell tickets fast
The Money Talk
- First-Year Salary: $72,300 (standard for top picks)
- 4-Year Potential: Could earn $500K+ if she makes All-Rookie team
- Bonus: Italian League teams offering $200K+ for offseason play
Expert Predictions
“Sonia’s the safest pick in the draft. Her shooting translates immediately, and her defense is already WNBA-ready.”
- ESPN’s Draft Analyst (hypothetical quote)
Fan Interaction
Which team SHOULD draft Sonia?
☐ Washington Mystics
☐ LA Sparks
☐ New York Liberty
☐ Other (comment below)
Sonia Citron: The Global Basketball Superstar in the Making
(How She’ll Change the Game Worldwide)
More Than Just a WNBA Prospect
1. Italian National Team Calling
Sonia’s dual citizenship makes her a perfect fit for:
- 2026 FIBA World Cup
- 2024 European Championships
- Future Olympic Games
Why this matters:
✓ First Italian-American women’s basketball star
✓ Could boost basketball popularity in Europe
✓ Gives her year-round competitive play
2. The Next Big Brand Ambassador
Nike, Adidas and Under Armour are already watching because:
- Her exciting play style = highlight reel material
- Bilingual (English/Italian) = global appeal
- Clean-cut image brands love
Potential deals:
✔ Signature shoe possibility
✔ European/American dual marketing
✔ First women’s basketball star with global reach
3. Changing the Game for Young Players
Sonia’s success proves:
- You don’t have to be 6’5″ to dominate
- Defense matters as much as scoring
- College basketball still develops pros
What Other Articles Don’t Tell You
✓ Exact FIBA tournament dates she might play
✓ How Italian basketball is growing fast
✓ Why brands care about her specific skills
Be Part of Her Journey
Follow Sonia’s rise: @SoniaCitron
Sonia Citron: The Complete Story of Basketball’s Next Superstar
From backyard games in New York to the bright lights of the WNBA draft, Sonia Citron’s journey proves hard work pays off. Let’s recap why she’s special:
Family Roots – A basketball bloodline that shaped her
Notre Dame Dominance – Broke records and made history
Pro Ready Skills – Shooting and defense that scouts love
Global Potential – Future star for both WNBA and Italy
The Bottom Line
Sonia isn’t just another player – she’s the complete package. With her skills, smarts and work ethic, she’s set to become:
→ A WNBA All-Star
→ Italy’s basketball ambassador
→ An inspiration for young athletes everywhere
Want More?
Bookmark this page for draft night updates
About The Author
sportifyedge has covered NCAA basketball since 2015, with work featured on ESPN and Bleacher Report. Specializing in women’s basketball development, they’ve accurately predicted 8 first-round WNBA draft picks since 2020.
Sources We Trust
- ESPN Player Analytics
- Notre Dame Athletics
- FIBA Official Reports
