Golden State Valkyries hire Natalie Nakase as head coach for 2025
- Natalie Nakase has been appointed as the head coach of the Golden State Valkyries, an expansion franchise set to begin play in 2025.
- She previously served as an assistant coach with the Las Vegas Aces, contributing to their back-to-back WNBA championships in 2022 and 2023.
- Nakase expressed her excitement about the new role and the commitment to building a winning culture for the team.
In the United States, the Golden State Valkyries have appointed Natalie Nakase as their inaugural head coach. This expansion franchise is set to begin its inaugural season in 2025. Nakase, who has spent the last three years as an assistant coach with the Las Vegas Aces, played a significant role in the team's success, helping them secure back-to-back WNBA championships in 2022 and 2023. Before her tenure with the Aces, Nakase had an extensive coaching career, including 11 seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers in various roles, such as assistant coach and player development coach. She also made history as the first woman to serve as head coach in the Men's Professional Basketball Japan League while coaching the Saitama Broncos. Upon her hiring, Nakase expressed her excitement and gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing her commitment to fostering a culture of hard work and competitiveness within the Valkyries organization. She highlighted the importance of building a winning team and the support she received from her previous staff and players during her transition. Golden State's General Manager, Ohemaa Nyanin, praised Nakase as the ideal candidate for the role, citing her deep expertise in professional basketball and her embodiment of the grit and perseverance the team aims to represent. Nakase's journey reflects her dedication to achieving success in her new position.