Tag: Natalie Nakase

UCLA’s graphic celebrating Valkyries’ coach Natalie Nakase made it look like she died

Oh no, UCLA.

The UCLA Bruins’ head-turning announcement that Natalie Nakase will become the Golden State Valkyries’ next coach had people in a frenzy.

On Thursday, Natalie, a UCLA alumna and former basketball player, made history by becoming the first coach of the WNBA’s Golden State expansion team. The news comes five months after the team began its search and just under two months before the franchise will build its first roster through the Golden State Expansion Draft.

With Nakase now on board, it only makes sense that those involved in her journey to becoming a head coach want to celebrate her. But I’m not sure the UCLA social media team intended to make such a morbid gaffe by announcing Natalie’s hiring. The font selection for the graphic sharing the news says “head coach,” but because it’s a bit fancy, it looks like “dead coach.” The graphic also has clouds in the background, which likely doesn’t help.

https://Twitter.com/UCLAWBB/status/1844478022050779446

https://www.instagram.com/p/DA9RXcRzxqv/?igsh=NGVqMmhydW54aGJ3

As you might suspect, people had a field day with the discovery. Here’s how they reacted:

https://Twitter.com/ghostytheeghost/status/1844489678285832308

https://Twitter.com/cwdarney/status/1844687560167022808

https://Twitter.com/loumoore12/status/1844778550341038309

https://Twitter.com/sidelpm/status/1844622946146336879

https://Twitter.com/SubySubyDoo/status/1844794711359340887

https://Twitter.com/itsangierey/status/1844526064845926627

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Photos of UCLA alumnus Natalie Nakase

Natalie Nakase from the years.

UCLA Bruins alumnus Natalie Nakase has been named the head coach of the new WNBA franchise, the Golden State Valkyrie.

Nakase began her college career as a walk-on in Westwood before eventually cracking the starting lineup, and her time as a player ranged from 1998 until 2003.

Since then, Nakase has spent time coaching a number of teams and leagues.

She spent time with the Wolfenbuttel Wildcats, Tokyo Apache, Agua Caliente Clippers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Las Vegas Aces all as an assistant.

Now, she has earned a head coaching job with the Valkyrie, who are playing in the next WNBA season as an expansion team.

Here are photos of the former UCLA player from her stints as an assistant coach.

Cori Close ‘so happy’ after UCLA alum Natalie Nakase becomes Valkyrie head coach

Close is happy for this UCLA alum.

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.