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**Summary:**

Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase has been named the 2025 WNBA Coach of the Year after leading the expansion team to a playoff berth in their inaugural season. Despite a roster lacking established stars and struggling on offense, Nakase transformed the Valkyries into a tough, defensively-minded team. She received the majority of the votes, beating out coaches from Atlanta, Las Vegas, and Minnesota. Her leadership style, emphasizing connection and character, has been praised by the Valkyries’ general manager and owner. They are currently in the first round of the playoffs, down 1-0 to the Minnesota Lynx.

**News Article:**

**Golden State Valkyries’ Natalie Nakase Named WNBA Coach of the Year**

SAN FRANCISCO – Natalie Nakase, head coach of the Golden State Valkyries, has been awarded the 2025 WNBA Coach of the Year award, the league announced Wednesday. This honor comes after Nakase guided the Valkyries to a remarkable inaugural season, making them the first expansion team in WNBA history to reach the playoffs in their first year.

Nakase received 53 out of a possible 72 votes from a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. Other contenders included Atlanta Dream coach Karl Smesko (15 votes), Las Vegas Aces’ Becky Hammon, and Minnesota Lynx’s Cheryl Reeve (each with two votes).

Despite entering the season with low expectations and a roster lacking established All-Stars, Nakase molded the Valkyries into a formidable defensive force. They finished third in the league in defensive rating (99.8) and excelled at limiting opponents’ shots near the basket.

“Natalie has been a fierce leader from the very moment she was announced as head coach, and this award is an external validation of what we see every day,” said Valkyries General Manager Ohemaa Nyanin. “Her core philosophy of connectivity and emphasis on high character has created an environment where everyone can thrive. Her unique approach to leadership and ability to hold players accountable with care while staying true to her values has been remarkable.”

Owner Joe Lacob praised Nakase’s feel for the game and her ability to motivate players. Nakase’s coaching career spans nearly two decades, including time as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Clippers and Las Vegas Aces.

The Valkyries, seeded eighth in the playoffs, are currently facing the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx in the first round. They lost Game 1 of the series but will return home for Game 2 on Wednesday, seeking to tie the series.

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