The Golden State Valkyries were a new franchise coming into the WNBA this year as an expansion team. Initially, nobody had any high hopes for the team. But as the season progressed, the team turned out to be one of the best in the league. And the cornerstone behind such a dramatic performance has been none other than head coach Natalie Nakase. Only recently, the Valkyries were under immense pressure as their playoff hopes were doubtful.
Thankfully, the team has finally put all the doubts behind them. Facing off against the Dallas Wings, the 84-80 win meant that the first-timers were through to the playoffs. And while this was a moment for Nakase to celebrate, she could not help but share a heartfelt tribute to her dad.
Natalie Nakase Misses Her Dad As Golden State Valkyries Makes History
Nakase’s father, Gary Nakase, passed away in 2021, and this was a shock that the Valkyries’ head coach still cannot get over. After their recent game against the Wings, Nakase reflected on how she has been remembering her late father throughout the entirety of the season. Speaking about her father, Nakase stated how badly she wanted her dad to be by her side.
“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.
Ahead of the Valkyries’ big game, Natalie Nakase reflected on her father Gary Nakase who passed away in 2021:
— Kenzo Fukuda (@kenzofuku) September 5, 2025
“There have always been moments where I wanted to call my dad… I wish my dad was here, with my first job and being a head coach. This was part of my dream with him.” pic.twitter.com/fmejJPmWkU
Surely, this was quite an emotional walk down Nakase’s memory lane. Speaking of her performance this season, the Valkyries’ head coach is currently the frontrunner for the Coach of the Year award. However, Nakase has shown little interest in accomplishing individual milestones. Her main mission at the moment is to make Valkyries perform well in the playoffs as well. However, coming back to her bond with her dad, Nakase had more things to say.
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Natalie Nakase Had A Deep Connection With Basketball And Her Father Since Childhood
Growing up, the one thing that the Valkyries’ head coach liked was playing basketball. And she always got the support of her father, Gary. While Natalie went on to become an accomplished hooper in Orange County, it was her father’s coaching that polished her tricks on the court. What’s more, her late father even built a court in the backyard and installed lights to make Nakase play after dark. And drawing strength from her father, Nakase is learning to become immune to all the hate comments and criticisms.
“I’m starting to really build a thicker skin as I’m going through this healing process. Because I know I wish my dad was here. Especially with my first job being a head coach, and this was part of my dream, with him. And a goal. I’m starting to learn, I’m getting more resilient, and a tougher skin,” said Nakase.
She also went on to say that her current setup with the Valkyries was pretty much supportive, and she was lucky to have gotten such a work environment. Thus, with the Valkyries now in the playoffs, fans will be eager to see how things pan out in the future.