NFL
September 12, – San Francisco
The Golden State Valkyries exceeded all expectations in their inaugural season. To top it off, three members of the team received awards from the Associated Press on Friday afternoon. Natalie Nakase was named Coach of the Year, Veronica Burton named Most Improved Player of the Year, and Janelle Salaün was selected to the All-Rookie team. The awards were voted on by a panel of national women’s basketball sportswriters. (Valkyries PR)
Throughout the season, Burton has shown her growth as a player and the leader for Golden State. She scored her first career-high 30 point game, was +40 in a statement win against the Aces, and is the only player in the league this season with three games of 10+ assists and 0 turnovers. (Valkyries PR)
It’s no surprise Nakase was named Head Coach of the Year and recognized alongside Burton. Nakase led the Valkyries to the playoffs in their inaugural season – the first expansion team to do so, led the team to 23 wins – the most in WNBA history by an expansion team, and constantly held the team to a high standard.
In August, Burton was asked about Nakase’s impact on the team prior to being named coach of the year. “The moment we met her and training camp started she instilled so much confidence in each and every one of us. That’s not always easy to do especially for an expansion franchise. She’s one of the most humble people, she’ll never take any of the credit and takes all of the accountability. We wouldn’t be where we are now without her.”
Nakase always refers to the team as her family. She told the media earlier this year she, “hand picked each and every player to be a part of this new team.” Their chemistry evolved over the season and every player referred to their team in the same way – when one person wins or goes off, we all win.
Nakase always wanted her team to be known for their defense. They wrapped up the regular season third in the league with a 99.8 defensive rating. After their second month together, Nakase was named the league’s head coach of the month in June after the Valkyries went 7-4.
Salaün ranked fourth among WNBA rookies with 11.3 points per game, and also ranked fourth in three point percentage among rookies with at least 100 or more attempts. The French rookie continuously gave the Valkyries a spark from the arc when they needed it most. Salaün recorded three 20-point games and closed the season third in minutes per game (27.)
Postseason Matchup
The Valkyries will face their opponent the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday morning for the first game of the postseason. Their competition is number one in the standings, this team has proved they have enough hustle to keep up.
