The Golden State Valkyrie is the new team set to play in the WNBA next season. On Thursday, the Valkyrie made the decision on who will be the head coach, and it comes with UCLA ties.
The Valkyrie announced Natalie Nakase as the team’s head coach, who is a UCLA alumnus and former women’s basketball player with the Bruins.
After the Valkyrie made the announcement, UCLA women’s basketball coach Cori Close released a statement on her getting the job.
“We are so happy for Natalie, “Close said. “She has a brilliant basketball mind, she is a proven tactician and a passionate leader of people! She has been a tremendous resource for us at UCLA, and I can’t wait to see her soar with the Valkyries.”
Nakase began as a walk-on for UCLA and played between 1998 and 2003 in Westwood, eventually cracking the starting lineup. She was most recently an assistant coach with the Las Vegas Aces.
Now, she is the head coach of the newest WNBA franchise.