Natalie Nakase’s Full-Circle Moment: From Warriors Intern to Valkyries Trailblazer

On Monday night, the hardwood floor of the Chase Center felt like home for Natalie Nakase in more ways than one. The Golden State Valkyries head coach took a seat at the announcer’s table as part of a historic, all-female broadcast team for the Golden State Warriors' clash with the Los Angeles Clippers. For Nakase, who was hired as the first head coach in Valkyries history in late 2024, the evening was a “full-circle moment.” Long before she was the WNBA Coach of the Year, she was a video intern for the Clippers and a student of the game in the very same Bay Area ecosystem she now commands.

Nakase’s presence on the broadcast is just one facet of the Valkyries' month-long celebration of Women’s History Month. Since the expansion franchise tipped off its inaugural season in 2025, Nakase has transformed the team into a defensive powerhouse. In her first year, she led the Valkyries to a remarkably competitive debut, securing her the 2025 WNBA Coach of the Year honors—the first expansion coach ever to achieve the feat in year one. Under her leadership, the Valkyries have established “Ballhalla” as one of the most electric atmospheres in the league, driven by a roster that prioritizes high-character, selfless play.

The Valkyries' 2025 campaign was anchored by breakout performances from stars like Veronica Burton, who earned Most Improved Player honors while averaging 11.9 points and 6.0 assists per game. Alongside Burton, the interior presence of Kayla Thornton (14.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG) and the versatile scoring of Janelle Salaün (11.3 PPG) allowed Golden State to exceed all external expectations. As the team looks toward the 2026 season, Nakase remains focused on building a “family-first” culture, a philosophy that saw her assistant coaches regularly lead post-game huddles to prepare them for future head-coaching opportunities.

Beyond the Bay Area, Nakase’s influence is reaching the international stage. In mid-February, she was named to the USA Basketball Women’s National Team coaching staff for the upcoming 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This appointment, which begins on March 11, cements her status as one of the most respected tactical minds in the sport. Her ability to juggle expansion team building with national team duties highlights the relentless work ethic that saw her rise through the ranks of the NBA’s Clippers and the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces.

As the WNBA enters a pivotal week of Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations, the Valkyries find themselves at the center of the league’s economic evolution. A new proposal sent by the league on March 1, 2026, suggests a massive salary cap jump to $5.75 million, which would allow franchises like Golden State to aggressively pursue the 80% of players currently in free agency. With stars like Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers potentially eligible for accelerated maximum contracts under the new deal, Nakase and General Manager Ohemaa Nyanin are positioned to turn their expansion success into a long-term dynasty. For now, Nakase is enjoying the journey, proving that whether she is on the sidelines or behind a microphone, her vision for the game is transforming the WNBA.