The Golden State Valkyries, one of the three new teams introduced into the WNBA, announced Natalie Nakase as their inaugural head coach during a press conference on Thursday.

Nakase previously served as an assistant coach for the Las Vegas Aces under Becky Hammon for three years, contributing to the team’s success in clinching back-to-back WNBA championships in 2022 and 2023. In this role, she has made history as the first female Asian-American head coach in the WNBA.

Reflecting on her journey, Nakase recalls watching the Golden State Warriors, the Valkyries’ parent organization, celebrate victory in the 2015 NBA Finals and feeling inspired by their enjoyment under the organization’s management. She expressed a strong desire to work with Golden State, which has now come to fruition as she prepares to lead the WNBA franchise in its first-ever season.

“I’m grateful for this opportunity and thank you for trusting me with the leadership of the Golden State Valkyries,” Nakase expressed during her introductory press conference. “I deeply value this chance and am aware of the expectations that come with it.”

During her interview, Nakase discussed the job expectations with owner Joe Lacob, who set a goal for the team to win a championship within five years. He also mentioned plans for the Valkyries to have their own practice facility and locker room at Chase Center.

“I sat there realizing that (Lacob) is really setting me up for success. It feels like I have everything I need to succeed,” she said, acknowledging the support and resources provided.

“I’m ready to dedicate my full energy, heart, and passion into this organization. I can’t wait to create a championship team that the fans truly deserve,” she declared.

A Closer Look at Natalie Nakase

Nakase hails from Southern California, where she began as a walk-on player at UCLA and eventually became the starting point guard for three years.

Her professional career included two seasons in the National Women’s Basketball League with teams like the San Jose Spiders and San Diego Siege, followed by a season in Germany. After suffering a knee injury that ended her playing career, she transitioned to coaching in Germany from 2008-2010 and then coached a men’s professional team in Japan from 2010-2011. Notably, she became the first female head coach in the league’s history when she took over the Saitama Broncos mid-season.

Nakase later joined the Los Angeles Clippers, where she held various positions across 11 years, including assistant coach for the Agua Caliente Clippers and player development/assistant coach for the Clippers. She became part of the Aces’ coaching staff in 2022.

The Valkyries were granted their franchise in 2023 and are set to begin play in the upcoming season. This team marks the first expansion in the WNBA since the Atlanta Dream in 2008, sporting a violet, black, and white color scheme. Home games will be held at Chase Center in San Francisco, the same venue as the Warriors.

As of now, Nakase is the sole member of her coaching staff. Her next step will be to find assistant coaches. The team will recruit its first players during the expansion draft on December 6, selecting from the available players designated by each of the existing 12 teams.