Sonia Citron’s father William Citron and mother Yolanda Citron, are the backbone of her basketball journey, and their influence is woven into every part of her story. William, a former college basketball player at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, didn’t just pass down his love for the game to Sonia, he actively shaped her into the player she is today. Yolanda, while not an athlete herself, became Sonia’s emotional anchor, the one who pushed her to embrace her confidence on the court.
The Citron family, based in White Plains, New York, where Sonia was born on October 22, 2003, created an environment where sports weren’t just a hobby but a way of life. Sonia’s older brother, Will, played college soccer at Cornell and later Virginia, and their sibling rivalry was fierce. Will admits he never went easy on her, and that competitive fire helped forge Sonia’s relentless drive.
What Is Sonia Citron’s Parents’ Nationality?
The Citrons are American through and through, with roots firmly planted in Eastchester, New York. There’s no ambiguity about their nationality, they’re proud Americans, and Sonia’s upbringing in Scarsdale, New York, was steeped in the kind of suburban hustle that breeds athletes. Her dad’s basketball background meant the game was always part of the conversation. William didn’t just teach her the basics; he instilled in her the nuances of the sport, drawing from his own college experience.
Yolanda, on the other hand, was the voice in her ear during those early years when Sonia, despite her talent, hesitated to take the spotlight. There was a game in high school where her coach had to tell her, “Sonia, you’re unselfish, but to a fault.” Yolanda stepped in, encouraging her daughter to be more assertive, to take those shots instead of always passing the ball. That balance of tough love and unwavering support defined Sonia’s rise.
Sonia Citron’s Ethnicity: What We Know
Sonia is likely of European descent, possibly with Italian or broader Mediterranean roots, though this remains an assumption based on her family background, names, and upbringing. Her exact ethnic heritage hasn’t been publicly disclosed and isn’t a central part of her story. What is clear, however, is that her family’s identity is closely tied to their athletic legacy. William’s basketball career at Bradley in the late 1980s or early 1990s (the exact years aren’t specified) set the tone, and Sonia’s half-brother, Kenneth Citron, even played baseball at Princeton.
The Citrons aren’t just a sports family—they’re a dynasty of competitors. Sonia’s early years were spent playing soccer, but by eighth grade, her 6’1″ frame made basketball the obvious choice. She attended The Ursuline School in New Rochelle, New York, where she dominated the court, averaging 26.3 points and 11.2 rebounds as a senior in 2021. That year, she led her team to a perfect 14-0 record, earning titles like Miss New York Basketball and Gatorade New York Player of the Year—twice.
Her parents’ influence didn’t stop at high school. When it came time to choose a college, family played a huge role in her decision. Stanford was on the table, but the three-hour time difference meant her mom and dad would miss most of her games. Notre Dame, however, was close enough for them to attend regularly. That decision paid off. As a freshman in 2021, Sonia averaged 11.8 points and 6.6 rebounds, earning ACC Rookie of the Year honors.
By her sophomore year, she was putting up 14.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, landing her on the First-Team All-ACC list. Her junior and senior seasons were just as stellar, with her 2024-25 stats including 14.1 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, solidifying her as a top prospect for the 2025 WNBA Draft, where the Washington Mystics picked her third overall.
How Family Shaped Sonia Citron On and Off the Court
Versatile. Reliable. Locked in. 🎯
Sonia Citron was named to the All-ACC First Team and ACC All-Defensive Team this season. She helped lead Notre Dame to four Sweet 16 appearances and averaged 14.3 PTS and 5.8 REB across her career. This year, she was also a finalist for the… pic.twitter.com/iKVKjFvcoo
— WNBA (@WNBA) April 11, 2025
The Citrons’ support extended beyond the court. Yolanda was the steady presence in the stands, while William was the tactician, analyzing her games and offering advice. Even her brother Will, despite being a soccer player, pushed her to be better, their childhood competitions laying the groundwork for her mental toughness. And then there’s Marist Liufau, Sonia’s boyfriend, a Notre Dame football standout now with the Dallas Cowboys, who became another pillar of support. Their relationship, which began in college, exemplifies how deeply intertwined her personal and athletic lives are.
Sonia’s nationality is unmistakably American, but her story is also one of faith and family. She’s spoken about how her foundation is her belief in God, a sentiment echoed by her Notre Dame teammate Hannah Hidalgo, who revealed the team did Bible studies to build chemistry. That spiritual grounding, combined with her parents’ relentless encouragement, has made Sonia one of the most composed players in the game. Whether it’s her gold medals with Team USA at the 2019 FIBA U16 Americas Championship in Chile or the 2021 FIBA U19 World Cup in Hungary, her roots are always visible.
