Washington’s sports calendar has been a total buffet lately—between MLB regular season energy and the WNBA draft buzz, the city’s been vibing on every court and diamond. So, when the Nationals hosted the Orioles in a lopsided 7–0 win, it wasn’t just about baseball. It became a mini welcome party for the newest faces of D.C. basketball.

Before the first pitch crossed the plate, Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen, and Georgia Amoore—three of the Washington Mystics’ prized first-round rookies—stepped onto the mound at Nationals Park in matching Nationals jerseys. No Mystics branding, just red, white, and baseball stripes. The trio took turns tossing ceremonial first pitches, symbolically introducing themselves not just to the fans, but to the city itself.

And just before they hit the field, they shared a short, cheerful video together that said it all: “We’re here at Nats Park, ready to throw the first pitch. We’re super excited and so happy to be in D.C.” But they aren’t the only ones. The city is keeping up. 

A year ago, Aaliyah Edwards set the tone, throwing out the first pitch to fellow UConn alum Matt Barnes before the Nationals took on the Dodgers. She didn’t wear her Mystics gear either—it was all about representing the city she’s now part of. And that spotlight? It’s becoming familiar territory for women’s hoops. Across the league, these ceremonial first pitches are turning into unofficial rookie unveilings. A stage where the city says, Welcome to the family.

Te-Hina Paopao had her moment too—this time in Atlanta. The Dream’s newest guard brought her spark to the mound at a Braves game, showing off her arm and soaking in the city’s welcome. It’s not just a fun photo op; it’s a signal. A presence. Last year, Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso did it too, for the Chicago Cubs. As Commissioner Rob Manfred recently said at the Sports Business Journal World Congress of Sports, these kinds of cross-league moments are “a huge pillar” in MLB’s growth strategy.

And that’s exactly what happened when Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen, and Georgia Amoore took the field at Nationals Park.

Sonia went first—no hesitation—just walked up to the mound and fired her pitch with that cool, all-business Notre Dame style. Then came Kiki, who added some flair, letting her arm do two or three relaxed swings before launching the ball. Georgia wrapped it all up with pure confidence—full pitcher’s stance, a clean throw straight to the plate. If this was their first real moment in front of D.C.’s broader sports crowd, they aced it.

The scoreboard might’ve read in favor of the Nats over the Orioles, but the real win was seeing these three WNBA newcomers step into D.C.’s larger sports scene with smiles, confidence, and swagger. Wearing Nationals gear, posing with the mascot, and already feeling like part of the city—this wasn’t just about baseball. It was about belonging.

And the Mystics didn’t just pick names—they picked impact.

Sonia Citron and Co. Leads a Rookie Revolution in D.C.

The franchise didn’t just have a good draft—they may have pulled off a full-on rookie heist. First up, Citron averaged 14.1 points and 5.4 boards during her college career, starting 107 games for the Fighting Irish. She’s a two-way threat who plays with the kind of poise that makes coaches breathe a little easier.

But she isn’t alone in this wave of fresh talent. Kiki Iriafen came off the board next for the Mystics at No. 4. The former USC forward, at 6-foot-3 with a relentless motor and a soft touch around the rim, posted 18 points and 8.4 rebounds per game last season. Her game screams physical dominance, but it’s the efficiency that makes her special. 

Then came another Star player: Georgia Amoore, picked sixth overall and fresh off a cross-country move from Virginia Tech to Kentucky. The Aussie guard lit up defenses with nearly 20 points and 7 assists per game. Amoore is the type of player you want with the ball when the shot clock’s ticking down and the season’s on the line.

Still, the Mystics weren’t done. They went deeper, finding gems in the later rounds. Lucy Olsen, a scoring machine out of Iowa, brings not just points (17.9 per game last season) but composure. She’s a late-game bucket-getter. Add Zaay Green to that mix—a 6’2″ guard who’s basically seen it all. From Tennessee to Texas A&M to Alabama, Green’s journey shaped her into a versatile, mature presence. On a young team, her voice and experience matter just as much as her wingspan.

Mystics have drafted an identity. They aren’t in any rush to win the championship. Rebuilding and getting settled is all the focus. They introduced their future to the city, too.