The Golden State Valkyries earned praise from every corner of the world as the only 2025 expansion team posed a strong challenge to the league’s elites and set multiple records. At the center of all the season-long achievement was their HC Natalie Nakase, who delivered a ‘clinical’ performance in her debut season.
While Nakase won the Coach of the Year award, her aim was always the championship. On the ‘A Touch More’ podcast with Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe, the 45-year-old coach reflects on the ownership’s demands and pressure on her to deliver.
Natalie Nakase Feels No Pressure Of Championship
In the podcast, Megan Rapinoe asked the Valkyries HC about the pressure of winning the title after an impressive first year. She highlighted that earning a playoff spot added extra pressure, as the owners are now looking for a championship earlier than five years, as they mentioned during the hiring process.
Natalie Nakase said, “In all honesty, like pressure to me, it’s a made-up word. It’s just something that, you know, you can’t see. Like, it’s all in your head. And so, that’s why I talk about the mental part and how important it is to know where your players are at mentally.”
She added that the mental state of players is vital, and a coach needs to work on that, as the shooting part is a matter of practice. The former Clippers staff member mentioned that she believes in controlling what you can control.
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During the 2025 season, the HC demonstrated her ‘tough mentality’ on multiple occasions, but one prime example was when Nakase showed no interest in the ‘Coach of the Year’ talks, saying ‘no one really cares.’ Also, her decision not to celebrate playoff qualification highlighted her.
Strong-Minded Natalie Nakase Didn’t Let Players Celebrate Playoff Berth
The achievement of the season for the Valkyries was reaching the postseason. Fans, analysts, and the front office celebrated the monumental accomplishments as the media and critics praised their impressive season. But the players and coach didn’t celebrate – the reason was Nakase’s determined and strong-minded approach.
When asked the most obvious question about the latest expansion team, Nakase said, “We’re not done yet… I really don’t allow them to celebrate. They can, obviously. They can enjoy this, but I also keep them humble. … I’m a party pooper. Yes, I am,”
“I really don't allow them to celebrate. They can enjoy this, but I also keep them humble. I'm a party pooper. Yes, I am.”
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) September 5, 2025
Natalie Nakase says she’s not advocating for team celebrations until the Valkyries win it all 🔥 pic.twitter.com/UJzLtiUdwq
The answer highlights her seriousness and willpower to break free from the shackles and reach new heights. With Nakase at the Head Coach position and a more potent team at her disposal, the former Aces’ assistant coach could finally fulfill the ‘five-year-championship-project’ sooner.