Natalie Nakase becomes first Asian American head coach of a WNBA team
Longtime WNBA coach Natalie Nakase has made history as the first Asian American head coach in the league.
Longtime WNBA coach Natalie Nakase has made history.
Nakase, assistant coach of the Las Vegas Aces, was announced Thursday as the head coach of the expansion Golden State Valkyries, who are based in San Francisco and will begin play in 2025. It makes her the first Asian American head coach in the league.
Nakase, who’s Japanese American, said the move fulfilled a lifelong dream.
“I just remember telling myself ... I want to work for Golden State. I want to be a part of that. Fast forward nine years later, I’m sitting here, in Golden State,” Nakase said at a news conference. “I’m living proof that when you work really, really hard, and you stay focused on your goal, that big dreams do come true.”
Nakase has spent three seasons with the Aces, winning two championships under renowned coach Becky Hammon. The departure of Nakase, who was popular among players and fans, prompted emotional responses from her team and staff.
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