Valkyries Head Coach Should be the WNBA Coach of the Year
Natalie Nakase’s rise in basketball is a story of grit, determination, and breaking barriers. From a walk-on at UCLA to making history as the first Asian American head coach in the WNBA, Nakase has defied expectations at every step. Now leading the Golden State Valkyries in their inaugural season, she has quickly guided the expansion team into playoff contention, proving that her coaching skills and leadership can turn skeptics into believers. Her journey is a powerful example of perseverance and impact in a highly competitive sport. It has bee a shock around the league with Golden State’s success this season. Given all she’s accomplished this season, Nakase should without a doubt be named WNBA Coach of the Year.
Since being named the inaugural head coach of the Golden State Valkyries in October 2024, Natalie Nakase has led the expansion team to surprising heights. Building a new franchise from scratch is never easy, but Nakase quickly instilled a culture of toughness and resilience. Her emphasis on tough defense and aggressive shooting has propelled the Valkyries into playoff contention in their very first season. Despite injuries and the challenges of integrating new players, the team’s chemistry and competitiveness have only grown stronger under her leadership. The Valkyries have not only exceeded all expectations but have become one of the most exciting and talked-about teams in the WNBA this year.
Natalie Nakase has done more than coach; she has established the foundation of a franchise. In a league where success is typically earned over time, she has fast-tracked the Valkyries’ rise with strategic clarity and composure. The team’s competitiveness and cohesion reflect her ability to lead with both vision and precision. What might have been a developmental year has instead become a breakthrough campaign marked by discipline, identity, and resilience. Nakase’s leadership has elevated expectations not only for her team but for what an expansion franchise can achieve in its first season. Her impact reaches beyond wins, shaping a culture rooted in belief, accountability, and ambition. Given the results, her case for WNBA Coach of the Year is as strong as any in recent memory.
