Kiki Iriafen pens heartfelt goodbye to Stanford with new college set to be announced

Junior forward Kiki Iriafen has released an emotional statement confirming her exit from Stanford, after entering the transfer portal last week.

The Katrina McClain Award winner also earned Pac-12 Most Improved Player of the Year status for a resurgent 2023-24 season , and Iriafen is expected to announce which program she will join for her senior year. "What an exciting ride it’s been to play for Stanford and also earn my Degree from such a prestigious institution. I am truly blessed," Iriafen wrote on X.

"So much growth, joy, and love this season. I wouldn’t trade my junior year for anything. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be coached by a legendary coach and to be mentored by a great team of staff and coaches.

"I will forever be appreciative of all you have done for me. To my teammates, you guys are my sisters for life! I will cherish our time together forever. You all are the best part of my Stanford experience. Lastly, to the amazing fans, thank you for supporting and celebrating me this season. #44."

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Iriafen rediscovered her high school form last season, after leaving Harvard-Westlake as their all-time leader in points and rebounds. The 6-foot-3 forward led her team to the CIF Southern Section Division 1 title and earned Division 1 Player of the Year honors but struggled at Stanford.

That was until last season when Iriafen averaged 19.4 points per game and recorded career highs in games played, minutes, assists, blocks, rebounds, steals, and 3-point percentage. Stanford just hired Kate Paye as their new head coach, someone who has worked with Iriafen since they joined the program, and she's sad to see her prized asset depart.

Paye said that Stanford respects her decision, but did admit it was a shame that Iriafen won't see out her NCAA days with the program. "We are disappointed that now she’s made that decision, but if that’s a choice that she feels like she has to make, we respect it," Paye said.

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"She told me that she’s made the decision to enter the portal (on Friday) for personal, family reasons and again, I respect that again. I love Kiki, we love Kiki. I’m sure it was not an easy decision."

Iriafen will be eligible to declare for the 2025 WNBA Draft, and last season has seen her go from a role player to a first-round pick contender. She was listed as a long-term prospect by ESPN before joining Stanford, as the report from July 2019 read: "Athletic front court prospect plays with finesse and power in the key.

"Superior length cleans the glass, elevates over defenders in the key with a soft touch on jump shot; superb in transition game; quick-leaper, a defensive presence in the paint; impacts as a high major prospect in the class of 2021."