The 2025 WNBA season marked a new era for the Washington Mystics. With new head coach Sydney Johnson, new general manager Jamila Wideman, and a roster made of promising rookies and experienced veterans, expectations were fairly low. In their pre-season rankings, ESPN ranked the team 11th and projected them to win just 16.4 games after the departure of key veterans, including Ariel Atkins, and Elena Delle Donne’s retirement.
While the win projection may have been accurate, the Mystics surpassed all other expectations in Johnson's first season. Rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen emerged as immediate and future cornerstones, while the team successfully implemented Johnson's new playing system. The Mystics have given the city and fans a reason to trust the process.
Crafting a New Identity
The Washington Mystics' record doesn't tell the whole story of their season. The team's strategy was to see what they could achieve with a mix of young talent and veterans, but as the trade deadline approached, the front office shifted focus. Despite a potential playoff push, they chose to prioritize the team's long-term future by trading veteran leader Brittney Sykes and promising young talent Aaliyah Edwards for increased draft capital.
Despite struggling to secure wins against even lower-ranked teams like the Connecticut Sun later in the season, the Mystics found success in implementing Coach Johnson's system, which focused on increasing offensive pace and efficiency in the paint. Johnson’s background with the Princeton Offense shaped this approach, as he installed a fast-paced, motion-heavy attack built on constant ball movement and off-ball screens.
While the team was still clearly learning the system early in the season, their comfort and execution became more visible as the year progressed. The offense became more fluid, moving away from the one-on-one isolation plays that had defined previous Mystics teams. The team led the league in free throw attempts and makes, showing a clear emphasis on aggressive drives to the basket.
They also ranked among the top teams in points scored in the paint, thanks in large part to the standout seasons from Kiki Iriafen (averaging 13.1 points and 8.6 rebounds per game) and Shakira Austin (averaging 12.6 points and 6.3 rebounds per game). The numbers show a team that was a work in progress, but one that actively executed a clear game plan despite significant personnel changes.
Unlocking Potential
This is where Coach Johnson truly shined. The Mystics' future success depends on developing their young core, and Johnson delivered by turning rookies into stars. Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen were two of the biggest success stories of the 2025 WNBA rookie class. Citron earned a spot on the All-Star team and set a new WNBA rookie record for three-pointers made in a season. Iriafen also had a stellar rookie year, earning an All-Star nod with her dominant inside presence and efficiency. Johnson’s coaching unlocked their potential, providing a clear path for them to contribute immediately and effectively.
Next season, the final piece of the 2025 draft class will join the team when Georgia Amoore returns from her ACL injury. Her scoring and playmaking skills should complement Citron and Iriafen, bringing the full vision for this young core to reality. The front office will need to draft and sign players who complement these three, completing the foundation for the team's future success.
One of the most notable traits of the 2025 Mystics was their resilience. The team earned a reputation for fighting to the final buzzer, orchestrating several impressive late-game comebacks. This relentlessness speaks volumes about Coach Johnson's leadership and his effective in-game adjustments. Despite navigating a season of injuries and roster disrupted from trades, he kept the team motivated and focused on its ultimate purpose: growth.
Beyond the court, Johnson cultivated a positive and cohesive team culture. The locker room was a fun and supportive environment where players celebrated each other and rallied during tough moments. The Mystics also saw a significant increase in viewership and attendance, a clear sign that fans are embracing the young team.
The Verdict: A Bright Future Ahead
A team's record is only part of the story, and in Sydney Johnson's first season as head coach, the focus was on more than just wins and losses. He successfully implemented a new offensive system and, most importantly, excelled at player development. Johnson turned two rookies into All-Stars, establishing a clear and exciting identity for the franchise. For all his efforts and success, Coach Johnson's receives a B+.
The Mystics have a clear blueprint for the future and will continue to be a sneaky contender. The challenge for Johnson and the front office is to continue building on this foundation, translating the team's potential into more wins and a playoff berth. With a talented young core and a defined style of play, Washington is well-positioned to become an exciting destination for free agents and rookies.