How Natalie Nakase believed in herself to become a WNBA head coach

Game Changers: The Golden State Valkyries Hire WNBA's First Asian American Head Coach

The head coach of the Valkyries, Natalie Nakaske, is breaking her own barriers and setting records as the WNBA’s first Asian American head coach.

How Natalie Nakase believed in herself to become a WNBA head coach

HUNTINGTON BEACH — Natalie Nakase beat the sunrise. It’s not because she couldn’t sleep. It’s not because she didn’t have time to rest on this March morning. After all, the start of the WNBA season was two months away. And, yet, Nakase was tormenting herself – waking up at 5 a.m. one morning, and going to bed after midnight the next evening. “I’m training myself,” she says, “to sustain positive energy and mental focus through exhaustion.” This w…

Los Angeles Sparks 2025 Season Preview

The Los Angeles Sparks had a disappointing season in 2024, going 8-32 under head coach Curt Miller. After the season, Miller was let go, and Los Angeles brought in Lynne Roberts, who coached at the University of Utah. Roberts’ offense revolves around three-point shooting and paint points. Last year, the Sparks had the worst offense in the WNBA, averaging 78.4 points per game and shooting 42.3% from the field. Roberts will be in charge of turning…

Valkyries' Natalie Nakase blazing new trails as WNBA's first Asian American head coach - Local News Matters

DON’T TELL NATALIE NAKASE she doesn’t have what it takes to do something. The coach of the San Francisco Bay Area’s first WNBA team got to where she is by learning to block out those who underestimated her.“If I hear one negative thing about my goal, about my dream, it’s out, we’re done,” Nakase told The Associated Press. “It made my circle really small, but it’s made my circle really powerful and encouraging and supportive for me.”That focus an…