Post by : Saif
Al-Najjar
Photo: Reuters
Natalie Nakase, the coach of the Golden State Valkyries, has made history in her very first season. On September 17, 2025, Nakase was named the WNBA Coach of the Year after guiding her team to an impressive 23-21 record. She received 53 out of 72 votes from a national panel of sportswriters and broadcasters, recognizing her remarkable achievements with the new team.
Nakase’s success is even more notable because the Valkyries are a first-year WNBA expansion team. Under her leadership, they became the first expansion team in WNBA history to reach the playoffs. This is a huge accomplishment, considering the challenges of building a new team from scratch. Although the Valkyries lost Game 1 of their first-round series against the Minnesota Lynx, the team remains determined to fight in Game 2 to stay in the tournament.
Natalie Nakase, 45, was hired by the Valkyries in October 2024. Before becoming head coach, she spent three seasons as an assistant coach with the Las Vegas Aces. Nakase also has extensive experience in the NBA, having spent ten years with the Los Angeles Clippers, where she rose to the position of assistant coach. As a former UCLA point guard, she brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to her role, which has clearly helped the Valkyries succeed so quickly.
One of the keys to the Valkyries’ success this season has been their strong defensive and offensive performance. The team finished first in the WNBA in both scoring defense, allowing just 76.3 points per game, and opponents’ field-goal percentage, holding teams to .405 shooting. On offense, the Valkyries led the league in three-pointers made per game, averaging 9.7 shots from beyond the arc. These statistics highlight Nakase’s ability to create a balanced team that excels in multiple areas.
Nakase’s recognition as Coach of the Year is also a personal milestone. Winning this award in her first season shows her ability to lead, motivate, and develop a new team quickly. It is rare for a coach to achieve such success so early in their career, making Nakase’s accomplishment even more inspiring for aspiring coaches and young athletes.
Other notable coaches in the voting included Karl Smesko of the Atlanta Dream, who finished second with 15 votes. Becky Hammon of the Las Vegas Aces and Cheryl Reeve of the Minnesota Lynx each received two votes. Despite strong competition, Nakase’s leadership and the Valkyries’ record clearly impressed the national panel.
The Valkyries’ playoff run has brought excitement to fans and increased attention to the team. As a new franchise, the Valkyries face challenges in building a fan base and team culture. However, under Nakase’s guidance, they have proven they can compete with the best teams in the league. Fans are now eagerly watching the remainder of the playoffs, hoping the team can continue its historic success.
Nakase’s coaching style is often praised for its focus on teamwork, discipline, and strategy. She emphasizes strong defense while also encouraging her players to take smart risks on offense. This balanced approach has helped the Valkyries become competitive quickly, showing that a new team can perform at the highest level with the right leadership.
Beyond the statistics and awards, Nakase’s success is also an inspiration for women in sports. As a female coach leading a top professional team, she demonstrates that women can achieve leadership roles in basketball at the highest level. Her journey from player to assistant coach and now head coach shows dedication, hard work, and the importance of experience in achieving professional success.
The Golden State Valkyries’ historic first season and Natalie Nakase’s Coach of the Year award highlight a new chapter in WNBA history. It proves that even new teams can make a strong impact with talented leadership, smart strategy, and teamwork. As Nakase and her team continue in the playoffs, fans and sports enthusiasts will be watching closely, eager to see how far this young franchise can go.
In conclusion, Natalie Nakase’s recognition as WNBA Coach of the Year is well-deserved. Her leadership has guided the Golden State Valkyries to a record-breaking first season and set high expectations for the future. With a strong team, excellent coaching, and a focus on both defense and offense, the Valkyries are not just a new team—they are a team to watch in the WNBA. Nakase’s story inspires young athletes and coaches everywhere, showing that with passion, skill, and determination, great achievements are possible, even in the first year.
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