Story perspectives

Nakase Named WNBA Coach of the Year; Valkyries Shine

9/18/2025

Summary

Story summary

Natalie Nakase of the Golden State Valkyries has been named the 2025 State Street Investment Management SPY WNBA Coach of the Year, earning 53 of 72 votes.
Karl Smesko (Atlanta) finished second with 15 votes; Becky Hammon (Las Vegas) and Cheryl Reeve (Minnesota) each received 2 votes.
Under Nakase, the Valkyries achieved a WNBA record for expansion teams with 23 wins.
Veronica Burton won the Most Improved Player award, averaging 11.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.0 assists, receiving 68 of 72 votes.
Nakase previously assisted the Las Vegas Aces, contributing to two championship victories.

History

Historical Context

Established in 1996, the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) transformed women's sports in the U.S. The league celebrated milestones like the Washington Mystics' first championship in 2019 and Natalie Nakase's Coach of the Year award in 2025, reflecting the growing acceptance of women in leadership roles in athletics and paving the way for future advancements in women's professional sports.

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Story summary

Natalie Nakase of the Golden State Valkyries has been named the 2025 State Street Investment Management SPY WNBA Coach of the Year, earning 53 of 72 votes.
Karl Smesko (Atlanta) finished second with 15 votes; Becky Hammon (Las Vegas) and Cheryl Reeve (Minnesota) each received 2 votes.
Under Nakase, the Valkyries achieved a WNBA record for expansion teams with 23 wins.
Veronica Burton won the Most Improved Player award, averaging 11.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.0 assists, receiving 68 of 72 votes.
Nakase previously assisted the Las Vegas Aces, contributing to two championship victories.

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