The Golden State Valkyries made history in their debut WNBA season, and rookie forward Janelle Salaün stands tall among their bright spots. Named to the 2025 WNBA All-Rookie Team, the 24-year-old French star drew high praise from head coach Natalie Nakase for her standout play.
Salaün, who started 33 of 36 games, had an impressive season average. However, she’s been a go-to player in the coach’s team chemistry. Earlier, Nakase won AP’s Coach of the Year, and now her star player has made it to the All-Rookie Team.
Natalie Nakase Praises Janelle Salaün After WNBA All-Rookie Team Selection
Despite the Valkyries’ exit from the WNBA playoff picture, Salaün’s emergence is no small feat. Nakase, herself a trailblazer as the WNBA’s Coach of the Year, steered the Valkyries to a remarkable 23-21 record. Though their playoff run ended in the first round against the Minnesota Lynx, accolades kept coming for the latest expansion team.
However, the star forward averaged 11.3 points and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 36.6% from three. Her selection served as a morale booster for both the team and the coach. After the nod, Nakase couldn’t hold her true emotions for Salaün.
“Janelle had an exceptional rookie season, and this recognition is well-deserved. She’s one of the most driven and focused players I’ve coached. Her mindset is 100% on the game – how she can get better and help this team win. She stepped up all season and showed a maturity which is really impressive for someone in their first year in the WNBA,” Nakase said.
Ja’llready knew she was comin’ for this one — Janelle Salaün earns @wnba All-Rookie honors after a breakout year in Ballhalla.@jwinery | Celebrating Milestones pic.twitter.com/1jcEeginuD
— Golden State Valkyries (@valkyries) September 29, 2025
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However, Salaün’s stats back up the hype. Ranking fourth among rookies in scoring (11.3 points) and third in rebounds (5.1) and minutes (27.0) per game, she thrived in Nakase’s up-tempo offense. She also edged out competitors like Phoenix’s Monique Akoa Makani and Connecticut’s Leila Lacan for the All-Rookie honor.
Natalie Nakase WNBA Wins Coach Of The Year
Salaün’s success ties directly to Nakase’s masterful coaching, which earned her the 2025 WNBA Coach of the Year award. Nakase even shared an emotional response to the nod. Additionally, in her first season as a head coach, Nakase led the Valkyries to a phenomenal record, making history as the first expansion team to reach the playoffs in its debut year.
She’s come a long way, though. Her journey from assistant roles with the Los Angeles Clippers and Las Vegas Aces to WNBA head coach wasn’t easy. Her up-tempo system unleashed players like Salaün and Burton, while veterans provided stability.