The debut season for the Golden State Valkyries was nothing short of remarkable for the players, coaching staff, and front office. Making the playoffs in their very first WNBA season seemed like a distant dream at the start of the year. Against all odds, however, the team posted a 23-21 record and secured the eighth and final playoff spot, proving they belonged among the league’s top contenders.
In their opening-round matchup against the Minnesota Lynx, the Valkyries fought with heart and determination. Their effort embodied their team name as they battled like warriors. Unfortunately, their postseason run came to an abrupt end in Game 2, when a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter slipped away due to nerves and inexperience on such a big stage. In just a few minutes, their hopes of extending the series evaporated, leaving them with a bittersweet conclusion to an otherwise historic first year.
While the loss was painful, the organization now has a valuable foundation to build on. The lessons learned from this playoff experience will serve as motivation and guidance as the Valkyries prepare to take a major step forward in 2026.
A proud moment turns awkward
Just before tipoff of Game 1 between Golden State and Minnesota, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert presented Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase with the prestigious Coach of the Year award. It was meant to be a celebratory moment for Nakase, who had guided her team to a groundbreaking debut season.
However, the occasion took an awkward turn when Engelbert stumbled over Nakase’s last name during the live ceremony. The correct pronunciation of Natalie’s name is “Nuh-KAH-say,” but Engelbert pronounced it incorrectly as “Nuh-kay-zee.”
What might have seemed like a small mistake to some quickly turned into a major controversy. Valkyries fans felt the error reflected a lack of preparation and respect toward Nakase and the organization, sparking outrage online.
Fans express their anger
Can’t get right. Cathy, do you watch? Because I somehow feel like I watch more games and teams than she does.
One fan wrote.
Another was even more direct:
This woman needs to go. She’s one big reason why the WNBA is still a [expletive] league even with their popularity now.
One particularly angry supporter commented,
Zero effort to do the basics. Not knowing the effing Coach of the Year’s name in your league? Beyond shameful, embarrassing, and disrespectful. Laziness on display.
Some were furious:
@CathyEngelbert is the most disrespectful commissioner ever for any sport. She lacks so much in respect and personality. She needs to be gone with $0 parachute as part of the new CBA.
Another simply said.
Fire Cathy, please. She is disrespectful and a bad manager beyond belief at every juncture.
That’s embarrassing and unprofessional @CathyEngelbert.
One more user wrote.
Nakase’s coaching journey
Before taking the helm of the Valkyries, Nakase built her résumé with several notable roles. She served as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Clippers from 2018 to 2020, held the same position with the Las Vegas Aces from 2022 to 2024, and spent time in the NBA’s G League developing her skills.
For Nakase, earning Coach of the Year honors in her first WNBA season was a career-defining achievement-one moment she deserved to have celebrated flawlessly, without controversy.
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