Heartbreaks are part of a game. And sometimes, despite trying the hardest, things just do not pan out as expected. This was exactly what happened with the Golden State Valkyries. After qualifying for the playoffs in their debut season, coach Natalie Nakase did not let her team celebrate. Yet, they faced a daunting task of toppling one of the best teams this season, the Minnesota Lynx. And while the Valkyries did not make it through, Kate Martin delivered a heartfelt note.
The Valkyries came in as an extension team this year, and most critics did not have high expectations for the side. But first-time coach Nakase transformed the side, and they almost got the better of the first-seeded team. And that’s surely enough reason for Martin to feel proud.
Kate Martin Expresses Her Pride Despite Heartbreaking Exit
After the Minnesota Lynx dominated the first game, everybody thought that they would bulldoze over the Valkyries. But as the Valkyries battled a scheduling conflict, they were not ready to give up easily. And what followed was an incredible fightback. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, the likes of Napheesa Collier and her team proved to be too much for the Valkyries to endure.
In the end, they lost the game tantalizingly with a scoreline of 75-74. Surely enough, soon after the heartbreak, Martin took to her Instagram story and made her feelings known. “So proud of this team & thankful for all my teammates, coaches & fans 🩷 we had a blast this year,” Martin wrote.
Kate Martin reacts to the Valkyries' season-ending loss to the Lynx
— Paolo Songco (@PaoloSongcoNBA) September 18, 2025
(via @katemartin on IG) pic.twitter.com/WdH4TqAbc9
Martin had a very short stint against the Lynx. Yet, she did her part and impressed the crowd thoroughly. The Valkyries’ star was on the field for just six minutes. And within that timeframe, she chipped in with five points, one rebound, and also clinched a three-pointer. Meanwhile, Nakase’s season might have come to an end this year. But she has received some incredible recognition for her performances.
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Natalie Nakase Wins AP Coach Of The Year Award
It was due to Nakase’s impeccable coaching skills that the Golden State Valkyries achieved a rare feat. They became the very first expansion team to make it to the playoffs in their first go. When the team initially started, there were a lot of overlooked talents along with a plethora of question marks as to how well the team would perform. But as of now, Nakase and her tea have put all those questions to rest. And quite rightly, Nakase was recently honoured with the AP Coach of the Year award.
Surely, with all such accolades and achievements coming in, the season has been an emotional roller coaster for Nakase. For example, after getting her team into the playoffs, the Valkyries’ head coach immediately got emotional as she remembered her deceased father. “What have I learned about myself this season? That I do need to care about my mental health as well. There have always been moments when I’ve wanted to call my dad. I am a little bit proud I’ve been able to survive… normally I tear up, I do cry, and I miss my dad, but there are moments where I’ve been able to hang in there and talk to my dad out loud. Or usually I break down,” said Nakase.
Thus, the Golden State might have experienced a heartbreak this season. But if they can keep up with their current form, the Valkyries will surely become a formidable side in the future.