Golden State Valkyries Hire Head Coach Ahead of Inaugural WNBA Season
The Golden State Valkyries have appointed Natalie Nakase as the first Head Coach. This comes a week after the announcement of the Golden State Valkyries expansion draft, which will take place on December 6th. For the last three years, Natalie has served as the Assistant Head Coach for the Las Vegas Aces, working alongside Tyler Marsh, the Head of Player Development, and Becky Hammon, the 2022 WNBA Coach of the Year. The Golden State Valkyries, established in 2023, are the WNBA's 13th franchise and are set to begin play in the 2025 season. The team was created to expand the WNBA's reach into the Bay Area, tapping into the region's rich basketball culture and diverse fan base. The Valkyries are committed to inclusivity, innovation, and excellence, aiming to elevate women's basketball and inspire a new generation of fans.
Becky Hammon expressed her well-wishes for Natalie in light of her new coaching role. Highlighting Natalie’s significant contributions to the Las Vegas Aces' achievements over the past three years, Becky praised her work ethic, sharp intellect, and talent for building relationships within the organization, acknowledging these qualities as key to their success. Natalie, in her introductory video for the Golden State Valkyries, stressed the importance of empathetic leadership. She stated, "I’m a big believer in leaders who have a big heart and who care about players not just through the wins but also through the losses and mistakes." She added, “The main thing I want is to have full confidence in my players and I want them to always have confidence within themselves.”
Under the leadership of General Manager Ohemaa Nyanin, the team has laid a strong foundation and is focused on building a winning culture. Natalie Nakase’s appointment as head coach is a pivotal step in this direction. Her extensive experience, innovative coaching strategies, and deep understanding of the game make her an ideal leader to bring out the best in the Valkyries' diverse roster. Nakase's proven track record with teams like the Los Angeles Clippers and the Las Vegas Aces will be invaluable in shaping the Valkyries' playstyle, fostering resilience, and driving them toward their goal of becoming a top contender in the WNBA. Her unique vision and commitment to excellence align perfectly with the Valkyries' ambitions, setting the stage for a promising and competitive future.
