In a significant move for the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), the Golden State Valkyries have announced Natalie Nakase as their inaugural head coach. This appointment marks a milestone in the league, as Nakase becomes the first Asian American head coach in WNBA history. The Valkyries, set to begin play in the 2025 season, have chosen a coach with a rich and diverse background in basketball, both as a player and a coach.
Natalie Nakase's journey in basketball is nothing short of remarkable. Born on April 18, 1980, in Orange County, California, Nakase grew up with a passion for the sport. She was honored as the county's high school player of the year and went on to play college basketball for the UCLA Bruins, where she received honorable mention as an all-conference player in the Pacific-10 in 2002.
After her collegiate career, Nakase played professionally in the National Women's Basketball League (NWBL) and in Germany. However, a knee injury forced her to retire from playing. Undeterred, she transitioned into coaching, starting with the Wolfenbttel Wildcats in Germany's Damen-Basketball-Bundesliga.
Nakase's coaching career has been marked by numerous milestones. She became the first female head coach in Japan's top professional men's league, the bj league, after taking over the Saitama Broncos midseason. Her experience in Japan was followed by an internship with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2012, where she eventually became an assistant coach for their NBA G League affiliate, Agua Caliente Clippers.
Nakase's rise to prominence continued when she joined the Las Vegas Aces as an assistant coach in 2022. Under the guidance of head coach Becky Hammon, Nakase played a crucial role in the Aces' back-to-back championship wins in 2022 and 2023. Her success with the Aces not only earned her recognition but also prepared her for her new role as the head coach of the Golden State Valkyries.
The Golden State Valkyries' decision to hire Nakase was met with enthusiasm from both the team's leadership and the basketball community. General manager Ohemaa Nyanin highlighted Nakase's drive, unifying qualities, and ability to build trust with players. Nyanin emphasized that Nakase's inquisitive nature and love for asking questions about how and why things happen are essential traits for building something from scratch.
Nakase's appointment is significant not only because of her coaching experience but also because of her cultural background. As a third-generation Japanese-American, Nakase has broken barriers in the sport, becoming the first Asian American to play in the NWBL and now the first Asian American head coach in the WNBA.
The Golden State Valkyries are set to begin their inaugural season in the spring of 2025. The team will participate in the WNBA's expansion draft on December 6, where they will select one player from each of the 12 existing teams' lists of non-protected players. This draft will be crucial in shaping the Valkyries' roster and determining their competitive strength in their first season.
Nakase's first order of business will be to foster a strong team culture and develop a cohesive roster. She will have to balance the need for experienced players with the desire to build a young and dynamic team. The Valkyries' leadership group, including general manager Ohemaa Nyanin and president Jess Smith, are optimistic about Nakase's ability to lead the team to success.
The appointment of Natalie Nakase as the head coach of the Golden State Valkyries marks a new era in WNBA history. With her extensive coaching experience, championship pedigree, and commitment to player development, Nakase is poised to lead the Valkyries to victory. As the team prepares for their inaugural season, fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating the impact Nakase will have on the league.
In conclusion, the hiring of Natalie Nakase by the Golden State Valkyries is a significant step forward for both the team and the WNBA. It symbolizes the league's commitment to diversity and its desire to attract top talent from all backgrounds. As Nakase begins her new role, she will undoubtedly face challenges, but her track record suggests that she is well-equipped to lead the Valkyries to success.
