Longtime WNBA coach Natalie Nakase has made history.
Nakase, assistant coach of the Las Vegas Aces, was announced Thursday as the head coach of the expansion Golden State Valkyries, who are based in San Francisco and will begin play in 2025. It makes her the first Asian American head coach in the league.
Nakase, who’s Japanese American, said the move fulfilled a lifelong dream.
“I just remember telling myself ... I want to work for Golden State. I want to be a part of that. Fast forward nine years later, I’m sitting here, in Golden State,” Nakase said at a news conference. “I’m living proof that when you work really, really hard, and you stay focused on your goal, that big dreams do come true.”
Nakase has spent three seasons with the Aces, winning two championships under renowned coach Becky Hammon. The departure of Nakase, who was popular among players and fans, prompted emotional responses from her team and staff.
Hammon said in a video posted on the Aces’ social media accounts that Nakase had a “big hand in everything that we’ve done.”
“Obviously, I learned stuff from her, and I hope she learned stuff from me that she can carry into that. But she’s going to be a great head coach because of the care factor, her perfectionism and laugh,” Hammon said. “She’ll be missed, but good things ahead for her.”
Fellow assistant coach Tyler Marsh wrote on Twitter that “even though you’re the opp now, you’re my sister for life.”
“So proud of you & GS couldn’t have chosen a better coach or person to lead their franchise,” he wrote of Nakase. “Keep breaking barriers. I always got your back!”
Aces point guard Syd Colson also sounded off on the move, expressing her pride for Nakase.
Nakase was a walk-on at UCLA, then played two seasons in the National Women’s Basketball League, where she was its first Asian player. A knee injury cut her playing career short. She’s coached for roughly 16 years, including 10 seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA.
Clippers head coach Ty Lue, whom Nakase once worked with, said on Thursday after the team’s practice that he was happy about the Valkyries' decision and “knew it was coming.”
“I love it,” Lue told reporters. “One thing about it, she’s going to grind. She’s going to work hard, and she’s a true grinder."