The Golden State Valkyries could not have scripted a more memorable debut, and at the center of it all stands Natalie Nakase. In her very first season as head coach, Nakase was named the WNBA Coach of the Year, a recognition that reflects both her vision and the immediate impact she brought to the league’s newest franchise.
Nakase secured 53 of the 72 possible votes from a panel of national media members, outpacing Atlanta Dream coach Karl Smesko, who earned 15. Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon and Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve each picked up two votes.
What sets Nakase’s award apart is the history behind it. Golden State is the first expansion team in league history to reach the playoffs in its inaugural year, closing the regular season with a 23–21 record. Hired in October 2024, Nakase came into the role after serving as an assistant with the Las Vegas Aces for three years. She also spent more than a decade with the Los Angeles Clippers, working her way up to assistant coach before transitioning to the women’s game. A former point guard at UCLA, her background has long been marked by resilience and preparation, qualities that have now been rewarded on the WNBA stage.
Reflecting on the honor, Nakase chose to emphasize the bigger picture rather than her personal achievement. “I never aimed for this type of award, and my dad taught me that early on, that it’s all about winning,” she said. “When I accepted this position, the message from ownership was clear: we have to build a championship within five years. That is the target, and this recognition really reflects on the entire organization from top to bottom.”
On the court, the Valkyries quickly built their identity around defense. They finished first in the league in scoring defense, holding opponents to just 76.3 points per game, while also limiting opponents to 40.5 percent shooting from the field. At the same time, Golden State showed firepower from beyond the arc, leading the WNBA with 9.7 made three-pointers per game. That balance of defensive toughness and offensive efficiency made them one of the league’s most intriguing stories and earned Nakase the respect of voters across the country.
At 45, Nakase has achieved what few could have imagined so soon after the franchise’s creation. She has not only carved out a place in league history but also laid the foundation for what Golden State hopes will be a long run of success. With her leadership, the Valkyries have transformed from expansion newcomers into legitimate contenders, and her first year has already become a landmark moment for the team and for the WNBA.
