Natalie Nakase's high-energy coaching steers Valkyries into WNBA Finals

Natalie Nakase’s high-energy, hands-on coaching has driven the Golden State Valkyries, an expansion franchise, to the WNBA Finals. In the semifinal series she jumped into defensive assignments, trash-talked opponents and motivated the squad, culminating in an 87-77 overtime win that erased an 11-point hole against the Las Vegas Aces. Players such as Tiffany Hayes, Gabby Williams, Kiah Stokes and Kayla Thornton highlighted her personal approach, noting her effort to learn each athlete’s culture, language and preferences.

Nakase, a former UCLA walk-on and longtime NBA assistant under Tyronn Lue and Becky Hammon, vowed from day one to raise the profile of women’s basketball in the Bay Area. After collapsing late in a prior game, she acknowledged the need for better self-care but remains focused on the team’s fight and cohesion. Owner Joe Lacob praised her performance, and the Valkyries’ success signals a rapid rise for the newest WNBA franchise.