For Kiki Iriafen, getting drafted was a dream come true, but it’s only the beginning of a new chapter. As she steps onto a WNBA court for the first time, she does so carrying the lessons and love of a college coach who believed in her from day one
For Lindsay Gottlieb, Iriafen’s success is another shining example of what’s possible when coaching goes beyond basketball. Together, they’ve written a powerful story—one that will continue to inspire for years to come.
Replacing Kiki Iriafen isn’t about finding the next Kiki—it’s about building a complete team that can collectively rise to the challenge.
With smart recruiting, a transcendent star in JuJu Watkins, and a dynamic coaching staff, USC isn’t taking a step back—they’re taking a leap forward.
The Trojans are entering a new era. And if early indications are any clue, they’re more than ready to rise to the occasion.
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Table of Contents
Lindsay Gottlieb, Kiki Iriafen, and the Making of a Pro
From USC to the WNBA
The journey from college basketball to the WNBA is rarely easy, but under the guidance of USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb, the path can be clear and empowering.1
The latest example of her impact is the success of Kiki Iriafen, who was selected fourth overall by the Washington Mystics in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
Her story is one of talent, perseverance, and the mentorship of a coach who has made a habit of developing stars.
Draft Night Glory: The Fourth Pick
On draft night in 2025, Kiki Iriafen’s dreams came true when the Washington Mystics selected her with the fourth overall pick.
It was a moment that was years in the making and one that underscored just how far she had come since her college debut.
The Mystics, a franchise in transition, saw in Iriafen a foundational player who could immediately impact the team’s frontcourt.
Her combination of size, rebounding prowess, and ability to score from mid-range made her one of the most well-rounded prospects in the draft class.
🎓✌🏻 Master’s and WNBA debut all in one week. https://t.co/JrHJYSyVyW
— Lindsay Gottlieb (@CoachLindsayG) May 15, 2025
A Coach’s Pride and a Player’s Dream
Shortly after the Washington Mystics posted their 2025 roster on Instagram, featuring Iriafen’s name, Lindsay Gottlieb reshared the post on her own Instagram story. Her caption was heartfelt and genuine:
“Will never take this for granted… watching people live out their dreams. She’s a Pro!“
It was a simple statement, but one that captured the essence of her coaching philosophy. Gottlieb doesn’t just coach basketball—she mentors young women as they transition from student-athletes to professionals.
For her, Iriafen’s success was not just about a draft pick, but a validation of years of hard work and growth.
Lindsay Gottlieb: Legacy
Lindsay Gottlieb has quietly built one of the most respected coaching résumés in college basketball.2
Known not only for her strategic mind but also for her ability to connect with players on a personal level, she’s created a culture at USC that values both performance and personal growth.
Before her tenure at USC, Gottlieb coached at Cal, where she led the team to a Final Four appearance in 2013. Since arriving at USC, she’s revitalized the program, turning it into a serious contender in NCAA women’s basketball.
Her work has led to several of her players making the leap to the WNBA, further solidifying her reputation as a builder of both teams and careers.
Building a Winning Culture at USC
Kiki Iriafen’s journey to becoming a professional basketball player is a testament to her relentless work ethic and competitive spirit.
After transferring to USC from Stanford, Iriafen quickly became one of the most consistent performers on the Trojans’ roster. Her size, athleticism, and scoring ability made her a tough matchup for opponents throughout the 2024–25 season.
Averaging 18.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, Iriafen proved herself to be a dominant force in the paint and a dependable leader on the court.
Despite being second in scoring behind JuJu Watkins, Iriafen was often the glue that held the team together, providing physicality and leadership in critical moments.
A Dynamic Duo
JuJu Watkins may have received more headlines, but the synergy between her and Kiki Iriafen was vital to USC’s success.
Watkins’ perimeter shooting and playmaking ability perfectly complemented Iriafen’s inside game. Together, they formed one of the most dangerous duos in the country.
Their ability to play off one another forced opposing defenses to pick their poison. Watkins could light up the scoreboard from beyond the arc, while Iriafen consistently punished smaller defenders in the paint.
The respect and camaraderie between the two players elevated the entire team.
The Mystics’ New Era
The Washington Mystics are entering a new chapter, and Kiki Iriafen is expected to be a major part of it.
With veterans moving on and a need for fresh talent, Iriafen’s presence brings renewed hope to a fan base eager to return to playoff contention.
The Mystics’ coaching staff has praised her versatility and her ability to adapt to different styles of play.
Her college experience, especially under Gottlieb, has prepared her to contribute immediately. Whether she starts or comes off the bench, her rebounding and defensive presence will be valuable assets.
Lindsay Gottlieb: Mentorship and Player Development
Lindsay Gottlieb’s ability to prepare players for the WNBA isn’t just about X’s and O’s. She places a strong emphasis on emotional intelligence, leadership, and resilience.3
Her coaching style encourages players to take ownership of their development, helping them become not just better athletes but stronger individuals.
For Iriafen, this mentorship was crucial. Under Gottlieb, she learned how to lead, how to bounce back from adversity, and how to maintain composure under pressure. These qualities will serve her well as she embarks on her professional journey.
The Emotional Impact of Seeing Dreams Fulfilled
The moment when a coach sees one of their players reach the professional ranks is deeply emotional.
It’s the culmination of years of practices, early mornings, tough losses, and personal growth.
When Gottlieb posted her heartfelt Instagram story about Iriafen, she wasn’t just celebrating a draft pick—she was celebrating a dream realized.
These moments are what keep coaches like Gottlieb going. They are reminders that beyond the competition and the media attention, coaching is ultimately about people—helping them grow, achieve, and believe in themselves.
Iriafen’s Potential in the WNBA
- As Kiki Iriafen begins her rookie season in the WNBA, expectations are high. She’ll be tested against the best players in the world, but if her college career is any indication, she’s more than ready for the challenge.
- Her rebounding, shot-blocking, and ability to finish around the rim will make her a valuable contributor right away.
- Moreover, she has the work ethic and humility needed to continue improving. If she can develop a more consistent outside shot and improve her passing under pressure, she could become a star in the league.
- Under Gottlieb’s leadership, USC has emerged as one of the most exciting teams in college basketball.
- The 2024–25 season saw the Trojans earn a top seed in the NCAA tournament—a major accomplishment considering the competitiveness of women’s college basketball.
- With a roster headlined by JuJu Watkins and Kiki Iriafen, USC combined explosive offense with gritty defense.
- Their chemistry, depth, and coaching acumen made them a legitimate title contender.
- Though the season ended in disappointment with a loss to eventual champion UConn in the Elite Eight, it was clear that USC had arrived as a national powerhouse.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Kiki Iriafen’s story is already inspiring young girls who dream of playing professional basketball.
Her path—from high school standout to college star to top WNBA draft pick—shows what is possible with talent, hard work, and the right support system.
And Lindsay Gottlieb, through her continued work at USC, is helping shape the next wave of stars. Her commitment to her players’ futures, both on and off the court, is a model for coaches everywhere.
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Lindsay Gottlieb: Rebuilding Without Kiki Iriafen
A New Chapter for USC Women’s Basketball
Replacing a player like Kiki Iriafen is no small feat. The standout forward was not only a top performer for USC, but one of the premier players in all of women’s college basketball during the 2023–24 season.
Her dominant presence in the paint, ability to rebound, and versatility on both ends of the floor made her a vital cog in the Trojans’ machine.
Fortunately for head coach Lindsay Gottlieb, while Iriafen’s departure leaves a sizable void, the Trojans aren’t short on talent—or ambition. In fact, they’re ready to reload rather than rebuild.
The Transfer Portal: A Strategic Reload
Recognizing the magnitude of Iriafen’s departure, Lindsay Gottlieb turned to the transfer portal with a focused strategy.
Rather than trying to find a one-for-one replacement, she opted to strengthen the roster holistically by targeting two of the top 20 transfers in the country—Georgia Tech’s Kara Dunn and UCLA’s Londynn Jones.
This approach suggests a tactical pivot: enhancing the overall depth and perimeter play, while trusting in internal growth and player development to fill the frontcourt gap.
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Roster Synergy: Fitting the Pieces Together
With Dunn and Jones joining a squad that already includes JuJu Watkins, Kayla Padilla, and Rayah Marshall, Gottlieb now has a mix of experience, versatility, and star power.
Padilla’s perimeter shooting and leadership are valuable, while Marshall provides length and rebounding on the wing.
The key challenge for Gottlieb will be chemistry. How quickly can this new-look team mesh? How will roles be defined and accepted? With the right blend of structure and freedom, USC could become even more dangerous—especially if they can develop a collective identity built on defense and transition offense.
A Deeper Bench Means More Options
Last season, USC was at times overly reliant on a few stars. The addition of Dunn and Jones allows Gottlieb to expand her rotation and reduce the wear and tear on key players.
A deeper bench not only adds flexibility but also provides insurance in the case of injuries or foul trouble.
Moreover, players like McKenzie Forbes (if returning), Clarice Akunwafo, and freshmen recruits could see increased opportunities to carve out roles. Internal development, combined with incoming transfers, gives USC one of the more balanced rosters in the Pac-12.
Lindsay Gottlieb: Recruiting the Right Way
One of the most underrated aspects of Lindsay Gottlieb’s tenure has been her ability to recruit not just talent, but character and fit.
Dunn and Jones aren’t just stats—they’re players with high basketball IQs who bring work ethic, leadership, and a hunger to win. That’s crucial for a program with Final Four aspirations.
Gottlieb’s track record of player development, dating back to her days at Cal and in the WNBA, bodes well for both transfers. Under her guidance, players often unlock new dimensions of their games, and Dunn and Jones may be next in line.
The Road Ahead: Pac-12 Title and Beyond
USC will once again be in the mix for a Pac-12 title and a deep NCAA Tournament run. With Stanford retooling, UCLA in flux, and Oregon and Arizona still developing, the path is open for USC to emerge as a top contender.
Their schedule will be challenging, but with a healthy JuJu Watkins, an improved supporting cast, and two impact transfers, the Trojans have the potential to be one of the best teams in the country. Chemistry and health will determine their ceiling.
While Kiki Iriafen has moved on, her influence will remain. She helped elevate USC back to national relevance and set a standard for what excellence looks like. Now, it’s up to this new core to continue the climb—and possibly go even further.
For JuJu Watkins, it’s a chance to solidify her legacy. For Dunn and Jones, it’s a fresh start with high expectations.
And for Lindsay Gottlieb, it’s another opportunity to prove why she’s one of the top coaches in college basketball.
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