US EditionNakase, WNBA's 1st Asian American head coach, is unfazed by being the face of the Valkyries
- On April 27, 2025, Natalie Nakase made history by becoming the first Asian American to serve as a head coach in the WNBA when she led the Golden State Valkyries at their training camp in Oakland.
- Her appointment follows a surge in women's sports popularity, shifting interest after the Las Vegas Aces won back-to-back championships in 2023.
- Nakase, a former UCLA walk-on turned captain and ex-assistant coach for the Los Angeles Clippers and Las Vegas Aces, embraces her responsibility to inspire Asian American girls and coaches.
- She explained that criticism only motivates her more, and emphasized that thorough preparation enhances self-assurance, illustrating a leadership approach often characterized as "tough love."
- Nakase's role symbolizes expanding diversity in the WNBA, where she is one of four coaches of color amid plans to grow the league to 16 teams by 2028.
52 Articles
52 Articles
Scripps set for May 16 return of WNBA games on Ion
(Photo by Ted Pio Roda / Handout) The new season of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) on the E. W. Scripps Company’s Ion television network will start on Friday, May 16. A total of 50 regular-season WNBA games will air on Ion, which also streams on leading platforms like Pluto TV, Xumo Play, Samsung TV Plus, The Roku Channel and LG Channels. State Farm is the presenting sponsor of the WNBA Friday Night Spotlight, the brand for t…
Here's what to know about Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase
Natalie Nakase has broken barriers every step in her journey: First Asian American player in the National Women’s Basketball League. Coached in the men’s league overseas. And, in the National Basketball Association, Nakase turned an internship with the Los Angeles Clippers into an assistant coach position, learning from championship coaches like Doc Rivers and Ty Lue. “It does matter,” Nakase said when asked if being the first Asian American co…
Associated Press News
Natalie Nakase is 1st Asian American WNBA head coach and unfazed by being the face of the Valkyries
Natalie Nakase is the coach of the San Francisco Bay Area’s first WNBA team and she has learned to block out those who underestimated her.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 70% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
