Natalie Nakase, the new head coach of the Golden State Valkyries, decided to take a nostalgic stroll down memory lane at a recent UCLA game, where her coaching journey began. The former UCLA Bruins player attended their clash against the South Carolina Gamecocks, and while the players battled on the court, Nakase was busy dropping wisdom and giving credit where it’s due — straight to Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon.
If you thought Nakase’s coaching career was just another run-of-the-mill journey, think again. The former Aces assistant coach declared during an interview with Autumn Johnson that Hammon played the role of Obi-Wan Kenobi in her rise to coaching stardom.
“Honestly, I’m only here because of Becky Hammon,” Nakase said with genuine admiration and a dash of humility. “From the very beginning, she told me, ‘Coach with your heart. Create an environment where everyone feels authentic.’ That’s something I’ve carried with me, and it’s definitely going to shape how I lead.”
Nakase’s Globe-Trotting Odyssey to the Sidelines
Nakase’s coaching career has been anything but conventional — a road that featured more twists and turns than a prime-time soap opera. From her days playing in the now-defunct National Women’s Basketball League with the San Jose Spiders and San Diego Siege to an unfortunate knee injury that fast-tracked her coaching aspirations, Nakase has been everywhere.
Her post-injury adventures took her to Germany, where she coached the Wolfenbüttel Wildcats, and then to Japan with the Saitama Broncos and Tokyo Apache. Back in the States, she honed her craft with the Agua Caliente Clippers and LA Clippers before landing a spot alongside Hammon with the reigning WNBA champions, the Las Vegas Aces.
It seems Nakase has mastered the art of reinvention, taking each challenge in stride and evolving into a coach who’s now leading one of the WNBA’s newest teams.
The Heart-Led Leader of the Valkyries
During her introduction as the Valkyries’ head coach, Nakase set the tone for her reign with a philosophy that blends the heart of a cheerleader with the grit of a Marine drill sergeant.
“I believe in leading with a big heart,” she shared in a video message. “Not just through wins but through the losses and mistakes too. When you show that kind of care, players will run through walls for you.”
Nakase’s approach to coaching is as refreshing as it is inspiring. She described herself as a “truth-teller” and a “pusher,” a coach who balances tough love with unwavering support.
“My dad always taught me to be tough but supportive,” she said. “The main thing is to instill full confidence in my players. If they believe in themselves as much as I believe in them, we’ll be unstoppable.”
Countdown to the Expansion Draft
With the Valkyries’ expansion draft looming on Dec. 6, Nakase will soon have the chance to shape her roster. Each of the league’s 12 teams will offer up six players, and the Valkyries will get first dibs at crafting a team that reflects Nakase’s vision.
Armed with Hammon’s sage advice and her own blend of authenticity and toughness, Nakase is poised to make waves in the WNBA. Whether she’ll create a dynasty or simply set the foundation for the Valkyries’ future remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: Natalie Nakase is ready to lead with heart, humor, and maybe even a touch of sarcasm.
As the expansion draft approaches, fans are buzzing with anticipation. Who will Nakase select to don the Valkyries’ colors? One thing’s for certain: the WNBA is in for one heck of a ride.
