Natalie Nakase drops the mic after WNBA Finals win

The Golden State Valkyries outlasted the Atlanta Dream in Game 7 of the WNBA Finals to win the franchise’s first championship in only their second year of existence. While the Valkyries have a solid roster, a big reason for their run has been their coach in Natalie Nakase. The 2025 WNBA Coach of the Year in her first year as head coach, she’s proven to be among the league’s elite.

Following the Valkyries thrilling Game 7 win to clinch the WNBA Finals, Natalie Nakase got on the mic at Chase Center and hit the crowd with a powerful statement.

“This is for all the people that have been underrated, misunderstood,” Nakase said. “This is for all of y’all because this is proof that if you put all your heart and all your soul, you can f**ckin win championships!”

Nakase got her start in the WNBA as an assistant coach with the Las Vegas Aces in 2022 under Becky Hammon. She was a part of the Aces’ back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023. The Valkyries hired her as the franchise’s first head coach in 2025.

Prior to that, Nakase had been a longtime assistant coach in the NBA beginning with the LA Clippers’ G League team. She also had extensive coaching experience overseas. As a player, Nakase played her college career at UCLA and played briefly overseas before suffering an injury and subsequently retiring.

While the exact numbers of Nakase’s contract with the Valkyries are not public, the results are in. The Valkyries hit a home run with their coaching hire.