NFL
By: Ashmere Prasad
The Valkyries had a long two weeks without their head coach and teammates, thanks to the FIBA World Cup. Four players and head coach Natalie Nakase traveled to Berlin for the tournament. The remainder had an unusual break to rest and reset.
Nakase returned with a gold medal as an assistant coach for Team USA, edging out current players Gabby Williams, Janelle Salaun, and the rest of the French team, who took home silver in a hard-fought finals matchup.
Everyone returned from Berlin on Monday and caught up on rest and sleep on Tuesday. By Wednesday afternoon, Nakase was back on the floor running drills with the team, still a little jet-lagged. During media pressers, she needed to be reminded what day of the week it was. Cecilia Zandalasini (led Italy with 13.5 PPG), Williams, and Salaun were not at the practice facility, as expected, getting some extra rest. Nakase said they are doing check-ins with everyone leading up to the back-to-back this weekend.
Veronica Burton and Kaila Charles each shared how proud they were to support their teammates representing their countries overseas. Due to the time difference, the team found time to watch in between breakfast and warmups in the weight room.
“It was a joy to watch them, and we’re really proud of them. It takes a lot to represent your country and a lot of hard work. They don’t take that lightly, and we don’t either. Really proud of all of them,” Burton shared.
When asked if it was hard to root for French teammates but also USA, Burton smiled and said, “It’s sports; I always prefer everyone that I love to do well.”
Williams was named best defensive player of the tournament, and Salaun was named All-Second Team.
Nakase’s additional observations:
– Ceci was a passionate force, “she put the whole country on her shoulders” – Nakase
– Gabby’s leadership was ‘top-notch,’ something Nakase wants her to carry over with Golden State
– Ja made major improvements defensively and with her communication
Season Finale
The remaining Valkyries had two weeks to recoup, work on their individual skills, and hit the weight room. For their part, the coaching staff handled the break well. Although the break was unusual, it allowed everyone the opportunity to prepare for a strong playoff push. Burton shared she spent part of her break on a beach in Mexico hanging out with friends. She spent time resetting mentally and physically.
“We kind of ramped up every day, and we’ve been scrimmaging each other,” Charles shared. “I think we’re very focused. The break was really a good mental reset for us, and I think we’re ready.”
Golden State closed out August 4-1 on the road, including their first victory against the Minnesota Lynx.
With four regular-season games remaining, the Valkyries will face Portland twice, Seattle, and wrap up in Los Angeles. These four teams will not make the playoffs; yet they will put their best effort on the floor to close out the season.
Golden State currently sits in second place in the standings, two wins ahead of the Las Vegas Aces.
Nakase said individual recovery for FIBA participants is a concern she takes seriously. She plans to check in with everyone individually before Friday’s matchup against the Fire to gauge how they’re feeling. The Valkyries have depended on the depth from their bench so it will be a learning moment to see the second unit takeover when necessary. As everyone feels more rested, they will join the team for the final regular-season push.
“Super proud of all the players. The Golden State players passed my expectations, and now we come together; we’re after a bigger goal.”
