The 2025 season marks an important milestone for the Golden State Valkyries as they make their debut in the WNBA. With Natalie Nakase serving as head coach, the new franchise is establishing its identity both on and off the court, while player Kate Martin has openly commended Nakase’s strong leadership during this inaugural campaign.
The Valkyries’ Inaugural Year and Nakase’s Rise to Head Coach
The Golden State Valkyries, an expansion team in 2025, are setting franchise records in nearly every aspect of their first year. Natalie Nakase, who previously spent several successful seasons as an assistant coach with the Las Vegas Aces, stepped into the role of head coach for the Valkyries. Her transition from assistant to franchise leader represents a career milestone and a chance to build a team culture from scratch.
While with the Aces, Nakase was part of two championship-winning teams under head coach Becky Harmon. Her influence extended beyond coaching responsibilities, notably developing strong relationships with players like guard Kate Martin. Martin played her rookie season in 2024 with the Aces before being selected by the Valkyries in the Expansion Draft, allowing her to closely observe Nakase’s evolution firsthand.
Kate Martin Highlights Nakase’s Consistent and Demanding Coaching Style
Witnessing Nakase’s growth from assistant to head coach has given Martin a unique perspective on her leadership qualities. According to Martin, Nakase maintains her core coaching values while adapting to the greater responsibilities of leading a team.
“An assistant coaching role is way different than a head coaching role, but who Natalie is to the core has stayed the same,”
Martin said (via Mia Wachtel of the San Francisco Chronicle).
“She wants the best out of us. She’s going to love you up, but also tell you what, you know, needs to be fixed — what you need to do to be better. And I think you can always appreciate that from a coach.”
Three-time MVP A’ja Wilson, who also played under Nakase in Las Vegas and now enjoys her head coaching role with the Valkyries, appreciates the strong player-coach bond they established. Wilson stated,
“That’s my dawg. Nat, we’ll talk about all different types of things, and that’s what I love the most, is just the player-coach bond that we shared.”
—A’ja Wilson, WNBA MVP
Nakase’s Leadership Shapes the Team’s Competitive Spirit
Nakase’s commitment to her players is evident in how she defends them during contentious moments on the court and how she openly accepts responsibility when the team faces difficulties. This fierce dedication has been key to maintaining the competitive fire of a young franchise. According to reporting by Mia Wachtel, Martin has grown close to Nakase since their days in Las Vegas, and Nakase’s fiery coaching approach has successfully carried over to Golden State’s roster.
For a franchise still in its earliest stage of development, Nakase’s leadership offers a crucial advantage. She fosters a team environment where the collective effort outweighs individual performance, pulling together a group that is greater than the sum of its parts. Her champion mindset serves as the foundation holding the Valkyries’ emerging talent and ambition together.
Looking Ahead: The Future Impact of Nakase’s Guidance
As the Golden State Valkyries continue their inaugural season, Natalie Nakase’s role as head coach remains pivotal in shaping the franchise’s direction. With players like Kate Martin vocal about their respect and admiration for her, Nakase’s leadership style is inspiring confidence and competitiveness. Their progress this season will likely set the tone for what the Valkyries aim to become in the years ahead, making Nakase’s contributions essential both on and off the court.