The upcoming WNBA season might be months away but promises to be thrilling, not just with the arrival of rookie stars like Paige Bueckers, but also with the expansion of the league featuring the debut of the Golden State Valkyries. This new franchise is already taking all the right steps to ensure a smooth entry into the league, starting with the appointment of Natalie Nakase as head coach. While Nakase had enough experience on her resume, her former colleague and NBA head coach’s recent appreciation for her is sure to bolster the confidence of both the Valkyries’ management and their eager fans.

Tyronn Lue, the Los Angeles Clippers head coach, expressed his admiration for Nakase during a media session ahead of his team’s game against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday. “Natalie’s the best. She’s just a hard worker. Just dedicated to work. A lot of questions. And if you ask her a question that she doesn’t know the answer to, she’s going to go get it,” stated Lue.

Before stepping into her role in the WNBA, Natalie Nakase spent nearly ten years as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Clippers. During her time there, she worked closely with current head coach Tyronn Lue, who holds Nakase in high regard. Reflecting on their time together, Lue described her as a sort of protégé, saying, “Just over the years, she’s kind of like my little protégé.”

Nakase took on a dual role as both an assistant coach and player development coach with the Clippers and their G League affiliate (2012-2022). Over the last four years of her tenure, she worked closely with Lue, assisting him with in-game strategies on both offense and defense. Given that Lue has won an NBA championship as a head coach and has experienced firsthand Nakase’s capabilities, his endorsement speaks volumes about her potential as the newly appointed head coach of the Valkyries.

However, as Nakase prepares to take the reins in her first head coaching role on a larger stage, she herself faces a significant opportunity to demonstrate her capabilities. Stepping into this position with a franchise that’s already attracting a growing fanbase adds to the excitement and pressure.

Natalia Nakase’s journey to Golden State Valkyries amidst the franchise’s rising fanbase

The 44-year-old’s coaching journey began in 2008 when she took charge of a club in Germany. After a few transitions, including a brief stint with a team in Japan, she received a significant opportunity in 2012: an assistant coach position with the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers. Over a decade with the Clippers, she honed her skills and built a strong reputation. Eventually, she made her way to the WNBA, again as an assistant coach.

During her time with the Las Vegas Aces, Nakase really made her presence felt, contributing significantly to the team’s consecutive championship wins. Working closely with head coach Becky Hammon, she was an integral part of the Aces’ success. Just as Tyronn Lue had recognized her potential, Hammon also praised Nakase’s dedication and the qualities that set her apart as an up-and-coming coach.

“She’s going to be a great head coach because of her care factor, her perfectionism and laugh,” Hammon said while explaining how Nakase brings a different perspective to the team’s strategies. As she steps into the role of the first Asian-American head coach in WNBA history, Nakase seems poised to live up to those expectations as she said, “I’m going to be a truth-teller. I’m going to be a pusher.”

However, stepping into this role, Nakase will also face a unique set of challenges, especially with the Golden State Valkyries enjoying record-breaking ticket sales. They’ve made history as the first professional women’s sports team to secure over 17,000 season ticket deposits. But with her former colleague’s unwavering faith in her abilities, Nakase has the potential to meet—and possibly exceed—expectations. Much will also hinge on how the team roster shapes up in the upcoming WNBA draft, making it an exciting time for both Nakase and the fans.