Despite their fierce run, the Golden State Valkyries couldn’t win the championship in their inaugural season. But this time, Natalie Nakase has her priority set.

The 2025-born Valkyries reached the first round of the playoffs last year, before getting flicked off by the Minnesota Lynx. But now, Nakase stated exactly what her goal will be, following the regular season's tip-off.

“So, for year two, we understand that after a successful year one, nothing carries over,” said the coach, per the WNBA’s April 30 X post. “Not one basket, not one award, nothing. So, for us, our goal for this season is to win a championship.”

Nakase and the franchise’s standards are clear. In the Golden State, they “only hang banners and collect rings. So, with that type of expectation, (their) goal is to win.” And with her calibre, this isn’t just the talks.

The 46-year-old coach came with championship experience. Having guided the Las Vegas Aces to consecutive championships in her first two years with the team as an assistant coach, Nakase also has NBA experience.

Going forward, Nakase will back the team up with her 16 years of professional coaching experience. And this dedication is only expected given that she’s exactly where she always wanted to be.

Natalie Nakase Always Wanted to Be a Golden State Coach

It goes back nearly a decade, when Nakase coached the Los Angeles Clippers. Seeing the Golden State Warriors winning a championship and ending their 40-years draught, Nakase knew what she wanted.

"I remember telling myself, I want to work for Golden State, I want to be a part of that," Nakase said during her introductory press conference in 2024. "Fast forward, nine years, I'm sitting here in Golden State.”

She mentioned herself to be the “living proof that when you work really hard, and you stay focused on your goal, big dreams do come true."

So, along with a team victory, a title win will also be an individual triumph of the coach who has always wanted to be a part of all this. Do you think Nakase will be able to turn her dream into reality this year? Comment it down.

Follow She Got Game for more

Written by

Deblina Roy

Edited by

Souvik Roy