An examination of Sonia Citron’s career with Notre Dame women’s basketball

Sonia Citron’s tenure with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish women’s basketball team has been marked by exceptional achievements and significant contributions, establishing her as one of the program’s standout players. From her arrival in 2021 to her senior year in 2025, Citron’s impact both on and off the court has been profound.

Early Life and High School Career

Born on October 22, 2003, in White Plains, New York, Sonia Citron demonstrated athletic prowess from a young age. Initially balancing soccer and basketball, she dedicated herself exclusively to basketball in eighth grade, drawing inspiration from Sabrina Ionescu. At The Ursuline School in New Rochelle, Citron’s high school career was distinguished by numerous accolades, including being named New York Gatorade Player of the Year and Miss New York Basketball in her senior year. She also earned selections to prestigious events such as the McDonald’s All-American Game and the Jordan Brand Classic.

Notre Dame Career

Freshman Year (2021-2022):

Citron’s transition to collegiate basketball was seamless. In her debut season, she averaged 11.8 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. Her performance earned her the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Rookie of the Year honor and a spot on the ACC All-Freshman Team. Notably, she scored a career-high 29 points in a victory over Michigan State.

Sophomore Year (2022-2023):

Building on her freshman success, Citron’s sophomore year saw significant improvements. She averaged 14.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. Her contributions were pivotal in Notre Dame’s ACC regular-season title win, including a crucial victory against Louisville where she played a leading role. Her performance earned her a spot on the All-ACC First Team.

Junior Year (2023-2024):

Citron’s junior year was marked by resilience and leadership. Despite injuries affecting key teammates, including Olivia Miles, she stepped up, averaging 17.3 points per game. Her efforts led to recognition as a finalist for the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award, given to the nation’s top shooting guard. She also earned a place on the All-ACC Defensive Team, underscoring her two-way impact.

In her final season, Citron continued to excel. She averaged 14.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, maintaining impressive shooting percentages. Her leadership was instrumental in Notre Dame’s deep run in the NCAA tournament, where they reached the Sweet 16. She concluded her collegiate career with over 1,000 points, joining an elite group in Notre Dame history.

Accolades and Achievements

Throughout her Notre Dame career, Citron amassed numerous honors:

• All-ACC Honors: Two-time First-Team All-ACC selection (2023, 2025) and Second-Team All-ACC in 2024.
• ACC All-Defensive Team: Recognized for her defensive prowess in 2025.
• National Recognition: Named to the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award Watch List in 2024, highlighting her national prominence.
• Milestone Achievement: Surpassed 1,000 career points in a game against Virginia, becoming the 43rd player in Notre Dame history to achieve this feat.

Post-Notre Dame Prospects

As of April 2025, Sonia Citron’s collegiate career has concluded, leaving a legacy of excellence at Notre Dame. Her consistent performance, leadership, and accolades have positioned her for potential professional opportunities, including consideration for the WNBA. Her journey from a standout high school player to a collegiate star exemplifies dedication and resilience, inspiring future generations of basketball players.

Sonia Citron’s career with Notre Dame women’s basketball has been a testament to her skill, leadership, and impact on the game. Her contributions have not only elevated the team’s performance but have also solidified her status as one of the program’s all-time greats. As she transitions to the next phase of her basketball journey, Citron’s legacy at Notre Dame remains a source of pride and inspiration for the Fighting Irish community.