“Natalie is the perfect candidate to lead the Valkyries.” This is what the Golden State GM Ohemaa Nyanin emphatically said about Natalie Nakase. The California-born inaugural head coach of the Golden State Warriors is winning over the Golden State. She has got her supporters even before anybody witnessed a test of her real basketball acumen. Nakase’s appointment has been historic. She became the Valkyries’ first HC on October 10, 2024, and has all it takes to be the best. Nakase has an impressive 16 years of coaching experience under her belt. She has two WNBA championships with the Las Vegas Aces and a deep understanding of the game. Sounds fascinating, right? Not really. 

Recently, veteran journalist Michelle Smith pointed out the pressure that is waiting for Nakase in the next season. On the Locked On Women’s Basketball podcast, Smith had some eye-opening numbers for Nakase and the Valkyries. “For them to quickly establish an identity and to get out in front of the two next expansion teams coming from behind — I think it’s important for them. We’re going to have 24 more roster spots this time next year when Toronto and Portland come aboard,” Smith said

The equation is simple. The Valkyries are the sole expansion team this year, and will be able to select any of the unprotected players from the other 12 teams in the WNBA. However, that advantage will be gone when Portland and Toronto join next year. The Valkyries will then have to contend with competition from the new teams, which gives them increased impetus to already form a strong core this year.

For the Valkyries, the clock is already ticking. If they don’t establish a strong core this year, they will have more to do the next, and fewer chances to get the players they want. However, their head coach does seem to have a plan. Natalie Nakase knows what she has to do, and is solely focused on one thing: winning. How quickly can she make that happen remains to be seen.

Natalie Nakase wants to learn how to win quickly

So, all of the pressure is on the Valkyries’ leader, Natalie Nakase. And she knows it very well. If Nakase has to make a difference and live up to her veteran coaching experience, winning is a non-negotiable. With the WNBA season just around the corner, Nakase has been soaking up wisdom from none other than Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla. He made headlines last year as the youngest coach in NBA history to snag a championship. The success that came in only his second season has inspired Nakase to believe that the Valkyries can also make a splash right from the start.

NEW EXCLUSIVE: Joe Mazzulla isn’t too buddy-buddy with other NBA coaches.

But, he’s taken Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase under his wing.

“I’m going to be forever grateful.”

My story on an unlikely partnership between the Celtics coach & one of the rising stars of the WNBA ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/RX0TAIFoSA

— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) February 28, 2025

Though it was not something obvious coming from Mazzulla. She wanted to learn from someone who has already won. Moreover, she wanted all the wisdom coming from someone who knows how to win quickly. “My biggest thing was: how can I pick the brains of head coaches that win quickly?” Nakase said.

While the 44-year-old knows the WNBA is full of tough competition, her passion for excellence and eagerness to learn give her the confidence to chase this ambitious goal. Additionally, team owner Joe Lacob challenged her to secure a win within the next five years during their first meeting. Filled with confidence and her newfound wisdom from Mazzulla, she responded with enthusiasm. “And I’m like, ‘Alright, let’s go.”

Needless to say, all eyes will continue to be on Nakase and the Golden State Valkyries, as the WNBA edges towards what is an exciting chapter in its history.