One-time WNBA champion sends message after getting waived

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Liz Lindain | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 9:32 PM ET

On Wednesday morning, the Golden State Valkyries announced that guard Aerial Powers has been waived.

Powers joined the team two weeks ago as a seasoned bench scorer to temporarily replace Valkyries players who were playing in the FIBA Women's EuroBasket, which has been taking place since last Wednesday and will end on Sunday. The 31-year-old athlete only played two games with the Valkyries, playing just 3.5 minutes per game and totaling 2 points before being waived.

Temi Fagbenle is the first player to return from EuroBasket after Great Britain was eliminated, which is the reason why Powers was waived. Point guard Julie Vanloo (Belgium) and forwards Cecilia Zandalasini (Italy) and Janelle Salaün (France) are still many games away because their respective teams have advanced into the semifinals.

According to the Chronicle, the Valkyries will need to make at least three more cuts, even four if Iliana Rupert from France joins the team this summer.

The Valkyries took to X to announce that Powers has been waived. An hour after the news was released, Powers quote-tweeted the original post to write express her gratitude about her experience.

"This chapter may have ended, but God’s plan for me hasn’t. I gave my all and walked away with memories, growth, and gratitude. To the @valkyries thank you for the opportunity. What you’re building is amazing, and I was grateful to be part of it," Powers wrote. "To the fans who welcomed me with open arms …your love did not go unnoticed. I’m thankful for every message, cheer, and moment. To the ones who supported me through the highs and lows … I see you and I feel your love. . I’m proud of the work I put in and even prouder of the woman I’m becoming. The journey doesn’t stop here."

The guard also mentioned that she will be sharing more of her reflections in a YouTube video soon.

This chapter may have ended, but God’s plan for me hasn’t. I gave my all and walked away with memories, growth, and gratitude.

To the @valkyries thank you for the opportunity. What you’re building is amazing, and I was grateful to be part of it.

To the fans who welcomed me… https://t.co/DWzgBIQUZr
— LIQUID | Aerial Powers (@aerial_powers23) June 25, 2025

Powers was the fifth overall pick in the 2016 WNBA Draft. She earned All-Big Ten honors three times and led the Spartans in scoring during her four seasons at Michigan State. Immediately impactful during her professional basketball career, she made the 2016 All-Rookie Team, then won a WNBA title with the Washington Mystics in 2019. Over nine seasons, she averaged around 10.5 points and 3.3 boards per game.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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