NFL
By: Ashmere Prasad
July 25 – San Francisco
Head coach Natalie Nakase and the Valkyries’ front office have repeatedly said they “hand-picked every single player on this roster.” Through 22 games and multiple roster changes, one veteran presence has remained constant: Kayla Thornton.
On Friday morning, the Valkyries announced their All-Star will be out for the remainder of the season due to a right knee injury she sustained during practice on Wednesday. Thornton had successful surgery on Friday morning and will start her rehabilitation process immediately.
During the week, the media asked if Kayla was resting after her spectacular All-Star performance. Nakase continued to say she was resting, until the news broke Friday morning following shoot around.
She was named an All-Star for the first time in her career this season, and is the first of the new franchise. Thornton is known for her clutch three-point shooting and veteran energy on the floor, which will all be missed, especially as the Valkyries push for a playoff spot.
This is a really tough loss for the Valkyries as Thornton is their leader on and off the court. She’s referred to Carla Leite as her ‘little baby,’ who she is helping develop game in and game out.
She’s typically the player sent into the postgame press conferences, win or lose. Thornton understood her assignment as the veteran leader and spoke with honesty if Golden State did not play its best. Thornton has a 10-year career in the WNBA and was a part of the New York Liberty’s championship team in 2024. Sandy Brondello, her former head coach, said she reached out to Thornton after she heard the news.
Sandy Brondello doesn’t think Nyara Sabally will play tomorrow’s game either as she continues to deal with knee discomfort.
“It’s unfortunate. She’s a player with such great potential but the injury bug has been the hardest thing that she’s had to overcome.”
— Madeline Kenney (@madkenney) July 25, 2025
Golden State will have the chance to look for an additional player with the trade deadline around the corner (August 7). For now, they’ll have to slowly figure out how to fill in the gaps Thornton had on the floor.
