Valkyries' Natalie Nakase Honored as WNBA Coach of the Year in Expansion Team's Groundbreaking Season
Natalie Nakase led the Golden State Valkyries to an impressive inaugural season, securing their spot in the playoffs and earning her Coach of the Year title.
Golden State Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase has received the prestigious title of 2025 WNBA Coach of the Year, as announced by the league. Under her leadership, the Valkyries (23-21, #8 seed) made history by becoming the first expansion team to reach the playoffs in their inaugural season.
Currently, the Valkyries trail 1-0 in their opening series against the Minnesota Lynx but will host Game 2 this coming Wednesday.
Nakase garnered 53 out of a possible 72 votes, with Atlanta Dream head coach Karl Smesko securing second place with 15 votes. Coaches Becky Hammon of the Las Vegas Aces and Cheryl Reeve of the Lynx each received two votes.
“Natalie has been a fierce leader since her appointment as head coach. This award validates what we witness daily,” said Valkyries GM Ohemaa Nyanin. “Her philosophy of connectivity and focus on character cultivates an environment for growth. Her leadership style, which balances accountability with care, is truly impressive. Coach Nakase and her staff have been foundational in establishing this team’s culture in their first year.”
WNBA Expansion Teams’ Inaugural Seasons
| Season | Team | Record | Playoffs? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Valkyries | 23-21 | Yes |
| 1998 | Shock | 17-13 | No |
| 1999 | Miracle | 15-17 | No |
| 1999 | Lynx | 15-17 | No |
| 2000 | Sol | 13-19 | No |
| 2003 | Silver Stars | 12-22 | No |
| 2000 | Fire | 10-22 | No |
| 2000 | Fever | 9-23 | No |
| 2000 | Storm | 6-26 | No |
| 2006 | Sky | 5-29 | No |
| 2008 | Dream | 4-30 | No |
| 1999 | Mystics | 3-27 | No |
Nakase’s coaching journey spans nearly 20 years, with experience as an assistant coach for both the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA and the Las Vegas Aces before being named the Valkyries’ first head coach.
Despite low expectations surrounding the Valkyries, due to their roster’s lack of star players, they demonstrated resilience. Defensive ratings showed them finishing third in the league with a 99.8 defensive rating and limiting opponents to the fewest shots in the restricted area.
Nakase’s outstanding performance this season has quickly made her a standout among the league’s young coaches.
“She’s terrific,” said Valkyries owner Joe Lacob. “She has an impressive intuition for the game and excels at motivating her players.”
