The Golden State Valkyries had a memorable first season in the WNBA, finishing eighth in the league and clinching a playoff spot. The management took a chance with the Las Vegas Aces assistant coach to take control of the expansion team, but the 45-year-old coach delivered in her very first season. Natalie won AP Coach of the Year, hinting at the possibility of clinchingg the league title also.
Despite other franchises’ top-performing coaches, the first-time HC won the WNBA Coach of the Year accolade by a large margin. After the game against the Minnesota Lynx, Nakase spoke about the accolade.
Natalie Nakase Gets Emotional Winning Coach Of The Year Award
The Golden State Valkyries were a new addition to the league with many new faces. The Asian-American coach was one of the five new coaches in the league. With a 23-21 record, she finished eighth in the league. Winning 53 out of 72 votes, she won the Coach of the Year award.
Interestingly, Nakase boldly mentioned that ‘no one cares about an individual award‘ close to the season’s end, and she maintained her stand after winning the award. She thanked Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and added that, being very serious, she never aim for this type of award.
Yet she dedicated her award to her late father, Gary Nakase, who passed away in 2021.
“Look, you gave me the inspiration and motivation to just keep going. My father passed. But look, we’re, you know, we’re going to do this for our dads. And that really resonated. As you guys all know, my dad is my hero. He’s an iconic dad, and for him not to be here today, but hopefully he’s watching, you better be watching, Dad. It’s cool that I could resonate with so many people when I get to share my story. So thank you guys for allowing me to share my story,” Nakase said.
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Asked Valkyries’ Natalie Nakase about becoming the second Asian-American coach across the major professional sports to win a COTY award.
— Kenzo Fukuda (@kenzofuku) September 18, 2025
Nakase spoke openly about representation, being a role model for Asian Americans in sports, as well as her father who passed away in 2021. pic.twitter.com/PoGwoKr9hH
The Golden State Valkyries will be holding on to their head coach and look to challenge for the championship next season.
Natali Nakase Opened Up About Golden State Valkyries’ Plan For Future
The Golden State Warriors have been a successful franchise in the NBA, and the Bay Area ‘W’ team also looked to emulate the success. The owners had a constructive plan for the Valkyries, and when Nakase met with the owners, they handed her the target.
“My conversation with Joe was one of the most inspiring, impactful conversations I’ve ever had. This guy’s telling me the secret sauce. Who wouldn’t want to be like Joe? Just the way [Lacob] knew how to win, I have to take that recipe as well. You’re providing me with all these resources that I can’t fail. People are saying, ‘Is that pressure?’ No. I’m excited,” Nakase said.
The Valkyries fans are also behind the franchise and look to achieve the dream in the coming future.