Full Breakdown
Natalie Nakase Named 2025 WNBA Coach of the Year
9/18/2025, 2:23:01 PM
Historic Achievement for Golden State Valkyries
On September 17, 2025, Natalie Nakase, head coach of the Golden State Valkyries, was awarded the 2025 State Street Investment Management SPY WNBA Coach of the Year. This recognition marks a significant milestone as Nakase achieved this honor in her inaugural season as a WNBA head coach. She secured 53 out of 72 votes from a national panel of sportswriters and broadcasters, with Karl Smesko of the Atlanta Dream receiving 15 votes, and both Becky Hammon of the Las Vegas Aces and Cheryl Reeve of the Minnesota Lynx garnering two votes each.
Under Nakase's leadership, the Valkyries set a WNBA record for victories by an expansion team in its first season, finishing with a 23-21 record. The team also made history by qualifying for the WNBA Playoffs presented by Google in their inaugural season. After a challenging start with a 2-5 record, the Valkyries rebounded, winning seven of their next nine games. Nakase's coaching prowess was further recognized when she was named WNBA Coach of the Month for June.
Performance Highlights
The Valkyries excelled defensively, allowing a league-low average of 76.3 points per game and limiting opponents to a shooting percentage of 40.5%. Offensively, they led the league with an average of 9.7 three-pointers made per game. Notable player achievements included guard Veronica Burton winning the 2025 Kia WNBA Most Improved Player Award and forward Kayla Thornton being selected for the AT&T WNBA All-Star Game.
Nakase's coaching journey began with her hiring in October 2024, following three successful seasons as an assistant coach with the Las Vegas Aces, where she contributed to back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023.
Official Statements & Responses
The WNBA's announcement of Nakase's award highlighted her remarkable impact on the Valkyries in their first season. The voting results underscored her dominance in the Coach of the Year race, reflecting the respect she garnered from her peers in the league.
Criticism & Opposition
While Nakase's achievements have been celebrated, some analysts have pointed out the challenges faced by expansion teams in maintaining success in subsequent seasons. Critics argue that sustaining performance and player development will be crucial for the Valkyries to build on their inaugural success.
Verbatim Quotes
“Everything he says has a reason, has a purpose, and it all makes sense,” — Brionna Jones, Atlanta Dream Center
“My perspective for me is I’d rather have a slow burn than a quick fix, and then it just not be the same,” Hamby said during team exit interviews last week.” — Dearica Hamby, Los Angeles Sparks Forward
What's Next
Looking ahead, Nakase and the Valkyries aim to build on their inaugural season's success as they prepare for the upcoming playoffs. The team's performance will be closely monitored as they seek to establish themselves as a competitive force in the WNBA.
