Natalie Nakase: Pioneer on the Valkyries’ Sidelines
The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA’s first expansion team in 17 years, have begun to write their own history. In their first game, on May 16th, Natalie Nakase made history by becoming the first Asian-American coach to coach a game in the WNBA.
Nakase, with a height of just over 1.50 meters, is not your typical basketball player or coach. Her career began as a guard at UCLA, where she became a starter and captain. Later, she played professionally in the National Women’s Basketball League, but after the league folded and she didn’t secure a spot in the WNBA, she continued her career abroad. A knee injury forced her to retire as a player, and after some time in Germany and Japan, she returned to the United States as a video intern for the LA Clippers. After a decade in the NBA, she was named assistant coach of the Clippers. In 2022, Nakase joined Becky Hammon as an assistant coach for the Las Vegas Aces, where they led the team to two consecutive WNBA championships, something that hadn’t been seen in 21 years. Named coach of the Valkyries in October, Nakase has achieved a 2-2 start to the season, with the team’s first home victory on May 21. Recently, Nakase shared details about her path to the head coaching position and the impact of her father and other mentors in her life.I’m trying to get them to have the mindset of improving 1% each day, of controlling what we can control.
Natalie Nakase
When asked about her expectations for the season, Nakase emphasized the importance of patience and the gradual development of the team, fostering an environment where the players can grow without the pressure of high expectations. “I want them to play with joy,” she stated.
Regarding the atmosphere in the locker room, Nakase revealed the importance of humor and team unity, including dances to break the ice and create a relaxed environment. “I wanted them to laugh and smile, and to understand that the Sephora Performance Center is their safe zone,” Nakase explained.
The impact of her father, Gary Nakase, was fundamental in her career. After winning her first WNBA championship, she visited his grave. Although she couldn’t do it immediately after getting the coaching position, she remembered how her father pushed her to focus on her goals. “I built myself for this and he would have said it too,” added Nakase, remembering her father’s unconditional support.
Nakase also mentioned his mentors, such as Armond Hill, who provided him with constructive criticism and taught him the importance of hard work. In addition, he shared the words of Joe Mazzula, coach of the Boston Celtics: “Don’t be afraid to die”, which emphasize the need to take risks.
Regarding what she learned in her experience with the Aces under the direction of Becky Hammon, Nakase highlighted the demand for victory and the importance of preparation. “I have never worked so hard in my life,” Nakase confessed, grateful for the demand and the constant challenge from Hammon.
The coach also shared how working with high-caliber players like Chris Paul and A’ja Wilson has made her better. Paul taught her the importance of studying each game, while Wilson showed her the value of impacting the next generation. For Nakase, being an example for new generations is very important. “It means the world to me. I have to make sure I’m not the last one,” she concluded.
