‘We have effing unbreakable love’: how the maverick Natalie Nakase led the Valkyries to WNBA glory
A coach shaped by her circuitous basketball journey was uniquely suited to building the trust that made Golden State champions just 534 days after their first game
Golden State's WNBA champions Natalie Nakase and her team celebrated their first title with a powerful declaration of unconditional love and admiration for those who have been overlooked and underestimated. The team, made up of players who had been cut multiple times, proved that with opportunity, trust, and heart, they could overcome any obstacle and win the championship.
Coach Nakase's journey from a walk-on at UCLA to leading Japan's top men's league and back to California exemplifies the team's philosophy of giving overlooked players the chance to succeed. This championship victory was not just a testament to the players' abilities, but also to the organization's dedication to nurturing talent and giving everyone a chance to shine.
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