People from a variety of backgrounds live in the Bay Area, helping to shape the city into what it is today by creating the foundation for others to succeed. That impact leaves a mark, regardless of whether you were born and raised in the Bay or came here later. It’s what the Yay Area is all about. Natalie Nakase, the head coach of the Golden State Valkyries, is the most recent game-changer, leading the Bay’s first W team with strength and purpose. She has ignited a new kind of energy in the city by bringing celebrities like Kayla Thornton, Tiffany Hayes, Kate Martin, and others into the spotlight.
These days, the Valkyries are the W’s and the Bay’s lifeblood. In addition to being the League’s most valuable team, they are also a pivotal figure in women’s sports history. If we’ve learned anything from Coach Nakase and the Valks, it’s to not wait to create a stir. Now is the time to make an impression.
WSLAM: You told us to “trust the process” in what was developing in Golden State during our interview with you prior to the season. How does it feel to see all of your dreams come true?
NATALIE NAKASE: It seems like a dream. I believe I have the most understanding and diligent players, and I have the best staff. Because of the large hearts, my coaching staff, and the cooperation of diligent and coachable players, “trust the process” is undoubtedly becoming a reality.
WSLAM: How do you feel about Valkyries basketball?
NK: Valkyries’ basketball is vicious, in my opinion. It seems gritty to me. It’s inspiring and passionate, in my opinion, because I believe anything is possible when there are twelve players on the court who are all working together and giving it their all.
WSLAM: We’ve witnessed the killer mentality you’ve established in your locker room on the court. How has the team’s understanding of this vision changed? How did you make it?
NK: I want the team to proceed in this manner, and as I watch them change and step outside of their comfort zones, I see that they are truly being themselves. The players are being true to themselves. I want them to be themselves, and I don’t think I could really make them into anything else. People, in my opinion, are doing what they love when they step outside of their comfort zone; they are most authentic when they are able to be who they are.
All I’m really trying to do is encourage them to be their best selves. It can be uncomfortable at times. I have twelve coachable athletes who love to work hard, but sometimes it’s hard to hear the truth. And everything is possible when you have that combo.
WSLAM: What lessons have you learned so far in your first season as head coach? Off-court achievements?
NK: Being able to work with less sleep, in my opinion. Although I found four hours to be difficult, there have been evenings when I only slept for two or three hours. You know, I’ll do whatever it takes to win, and I’ll do whatever it takes for the players to succeed, so I think that being able to push through fatigue and exhaustion has been a major accomplishment for me. I’m all for it if it means that I get less sleep.
WSLAM: You’ve managed to put together a team that is diverse in terms of personalities, strengths, and culture that we haven’t seen in the W. Did you envision your locker room looking like this?
NK: I try not to reveal my secrets, but I believe that my coaching staff and I decided right on to establish a culture and an atmosphere that we refer to as a safe area.
I therefore wanted [them] to make as many errors as they could. And we will be here to show you how to play the right way and be better, you know. Therefore, I believe that in a safe setting like that, [players] may perform at their highest level or at the very least challenge themselves to be better than they typically are on a daily basis. Simply allowing them the liberty to make mistakes, in my opinion, is sufficient.
WSLAM: Did you know you would be here a year ago?
NK: No, I was with the Las Vegas Aces, to be honest. We were among the best teams in the world, and I will always be thankful to [them] as a family. So, no, I didn’t believe I could. Thank you very much.
WSLAM: This season, you have influenced your players, but how do they affect you?
NK: My athletes arrive. When my players arrive, they have a cheerful disposition, smiles, laughter, and new dancing movements that I have never seen before. As a result, they essentially turn every day into a dream. It may seem cliche, but I truly feel like I’m living my dream every time I enter the Chase Center or the practice facilities. Thus, my ambition would not be realized at this moment if it weren’t for the personalities and large hearts of our players.
WSLAM: What message would you convey to the Bay Area if you could?
NK: Ballhalla, Bay Area! We cherish you! Please keep supporting us because without you, we couldn’t win these games. Come on through if you haven’t been to Ballhalla. We want to incite as much animosity as we can, and we welcome everyone. Keep coming, and don’t be quiet
