As the Golden State Valkyries prepare for their sophomore campaign in the WNBA, head coach Natalie Nakase finds herself in a moment of profound reflection. With training camps for the 2026 season just weeks away, Nakase’s journey from a young basketball dreamer in Lafayette, California, to the first-ever leader of the Bay Area’s WNBA franchise has become a symbol of the league’s explosive growth. For Nakase, standing at the helm of an organization owned and operated by the Golden State Warriors isn't just a career milestone; it is what she describes as a "full circle" moment that bridges her local roots with her professional championship pedigree.

Nakase’s transition to the Valkyries followed a highly successful tenure as an assistant with the Las Vegas Aces, where she worked under the tutelage of Becky Hammon and helped secure two WNBA titles. That experience has been the cornerstone of the culture she is building in San Francisco. By bringing a championship mindset to an expansion team, Nakase has managed to bypass the typical "growing pains" narrative, instilling a level of discipline and tactical sophistication that surprised many during the team's inaugural 2025 season. The Valkyries finished their first year with a 17-23 record—a significant achievement for a new squad—falling just short of a playoff berth in the final week of the regular season following a hard-fought 88-84 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks to close out the year.

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Building the Bay Area’s Basketball Future

The 2026 season represents a new chapter not just for Nakase, but for the entire league. With the Portland and Toronto expansion teams officially joining the ranks this year, the WNBA has reached a historic 15-team milestone. This expansion has tightened the competition for talent, but the Valkyries entered the offseason with a clear plan. Nakase and General Manager Ohemaa Nyanin have been aggressive in the free agency market, reportedly securing veteran presences to complement their young core. The roster, which was initially built through the 2024 expansion draft and is currently anchored by stars like Dearica Hamby and Zia Cooke, is now looking to take the leap into the postseason. Key players from the 2025 squad, including standout forward Kiki Iriafen—the team's first-ever draft pick—are expected to show significant growth under Nakase's guidance.

A major part of Nakase's "full circle" experience involves her integration into the broader Warriors ecosystem. She has often spoken about the "Warriors Way"—a philosophy of ball movement, unselfishness, and high-intensity defense—and how it translates to the women’s game. The Valkyries play their home games at Chase Center and practice at the renovated facility in Oakland, the former home of the Stephen Curry-led dynasty. This proximity to greatness isn't lost on Nakase. "To be back here, in the same building where I used to watch games as a kid, and now to be teaching our players how to win on that same floor... it’s surreal," she noted in a recent media appearance.

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Eyes on the 2026 Postseason

As the March 3rd deadline for final roster evaluations approaches, the focus in the Valkyries front office is on the upcoming 2026 WNBA Draft. With a lottery pick in their pocket, Golden State has the opportunity to add a franchise-altering talent to a roster that already boasts considerable length and athleticism. Nakase’s defensive-first approach has made the Valkyries one of the toughest teams to score against in the transition game, a trait they hope to build upon in 2026. The stats from their first season tell a story of a team that learned to compete late in games, finishing with a league-best record in games decided by three points or fewer over the final month of play.

With the support of a fan base that shattered ticket sales records in their first year, Nakase is poised to lead the Valkyries from an expansion success story to a legitimate title contender. The community connection is palpable; every time Nakase walks into the Oakland facility, she is reminded of her own path and the responsibility she carries. For the Golden State faithful, 2026 isn't just about another year of basketball—it's about the continued rise of a team that feels as much a part of the Bay Area's fabric as the fog over the bridge.