The veteran coach paves the way by breaking barriers in the WNBA.
On Thursday, the Golden State Valkyries appointed Natalie Nakase as their first head coach, marking her as the first female Asian American head coach in WNBA history. Scheduled to join the league in the 2025 season, the expansion team selected Nakase for her extensive coaching experience, which spans over 16 years.
Nakase, 44, brings a wealth of experience, most recently from her role as the first assistant coach for the Las Vegas Aces, where she helped guide the team to back-to-back WNBA championships in 2022 and 2023.
Before joining the Aces, Nakase dedicated ten years to the Los Angeles Clippers, progressing from an intern to a G League assistant and ultimately serving as an assistant coach under Tyronn Lue.
Her coaching career has roots in both the United States and internationally. Nakase broke ground in Japan as the first female head coach of the Saitama Broncos in the bj-league, the predecessor to Japan’s B. League, stepping up from assistant to head coach in 2011. She had previously been an assistant for the Tokyo Apache, where she worked under former NBA head coach Bob Hill.
Nakase also gained valuable experience in Europe, coaching the Wolfenbuttel Wildcats of the German Women’s Professional Basketball League from 2008-2010.
Nakase will begin her new role with the Valkyries on October 21, stepping into this historic position as the organization builds toward its first WNBA season.
In her introductory press conference, Nakase expressed her gratitude and enthusiasm for the opportunity to lead the Golden State Valkyries. She reflected on her journey and the high expectations set before her.
“Thank you for this opportunity, and thank you for entrusting me in leading the Golden State Valkyries,” Nakase said. “I really appreciate it, and I understand the expectations here.”
During the interview process, Nakase had a candid discussion with owner Joe Lacob regarding the team’s goals. Lacob emphasized that within the next five years, the Valkyries must contend for a championship, and he assured her that the team would have its own practice facility and locker room at Chase Center.
“I remember just sitting there thinking, (Lacob) is setting me up for success, right? Like I can’t fail in this situation, because he’s just providing me with so many great resources.”
“I’m gonna pour all my energy and my heart and my soul into this organization, and I just can’t wait to build a championship team because that’s what the fan base here deserves,” she said.
Currently, Nakase is the sole member of the Golden State Valkyries’ coaching staff. Her next step will be to hire assistant coaches to support her. The team will begin building its roster during the expansion draft on December 6, where they will have the opportunity to select from players designated as available by each of the 12 WNBA teams.
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