The Golden State Valkyries, the new WNBA expansion team, have officially named Natalie Nakase as their first head coach. At 44 Nakase steps into this role after serving as an assistant with the Las Vegas Aces since 2022, where she played a key role in securing back-to-back championships.
General manager Ohemaa Nyanin conducted an extensive search, considering various collegiate and international candidates before choosing Nakase. Before joining the Aces, Nakase held several positions with the NBA's Los Angeles Clippers, including assistant coach and player development coach for their G League team. Her coaching career began in Germany with the Wolfenbuttel Wildcats in 2008, followed by a stint as an assistant with the Tokyo Apache in Japan's Men’s Professional Basketball League.
Nakase was a walk-on at UCLA, where she became a three-year starter and team captain.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season
The Valkyries are gearing up for their inaugural season in 2025, with significant roster-building opportunities on the horizon. After WNBA free agency, they will participate in the expansion draft on December 6, where they can select players from existing teams. Each current team will protect six players, making the rest available for the Valkyries to choose from.
Manager's trust in Nakase
Nyanin has emphasized the significance of this head coach appointment, noting that the selected candidate will “dictate the type of game we play.” Now, that responsibility lies with Nakase as she prepares the team for their debut.
Nakase joins Nyanin and president Jess Smith in the leadership structure of the Valkyries. Her work with the Aces was highly regarded by head coach Becky Hammon, who praised Nakase's strong work ethic and ability to build relationships with players.
Throughout her career, Nakase has sought out new challenges. She played two seasons in the now-defunct National Women’s Basketball League and transitioned to coaching after injuries ended her playing career. Her journey included coaching in Germany and Japan before returning to the U.S. to intern with the Clippers, where she eventually became an assistant under Doc Rivers.
Challenges ahead
As Nakase takes the helm of the Valkyries, she will need to establish a player development focus that aligns with owner Joe Lacob’s goal of winning a championship within five years. Despite this being her first head coaching position in the WNBA, her impressive background makes her a strong candidate for the role.
“Natalie has played a huge role in our Aces’ success over the last three years. Her bright mind, relentless work ethic, and ability to build relationships with our players has had a lasting impact on not just our organization, players, and staff but also throughout the Las Vegas community. We wish her the best in her next great opportunity as the first head coach of the Golden State Valkyries," Hammon said.
