Natalie Nakase, WNBA’s first Asian American head coach, reflects on a historic season

Natalie Nakase, the WNBA’s first Asian American head coach, is channeling the spirit of a Valkyrie woman warrior as the season gets underway Friday.

Natalie Nakase, the WNBA’s first Asian American head coach, is channeling the spirit of a Valkyrie woman warrior as the season gets underway Friday.

With Nakase, 45, on their team, the Golden State Valkyries are making waves as the WNBA’s first new team in the league in more than 15 years. 

Nakase told NBC News she’s had to fight her whole life to get where she is now.

“I’ve always been the only girl walking into the NBA gym and all guys — it’s the same,” Nakase said. “No big deal.”

The addition of the Valkyries marks the first new WNBA team since the Atlanta Dream in 2008.