Natalie Nakase becomes first Asian American head coach of a WNBA team

Longtime WNBA coach Natalie Nakase made history.

Nakase, an assistant coach with the Las Vegas Aces, was announced Thursday as head coach of the expanding Golden State Valkyries, based in San Francisco and scheduled to begin play in 2025. This makes her the first Asian-American head coach in the league.

Nakase, a Japanese American, said the move was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

“I just remember saying to myself… I want to work for Golden State. I want to be a part of it. Nine years later, I’m sitting here in Golden State,” Nakase said at a press conference. “I am living proof that big dreams come true when you work really, really hard and focus on your goal.”

Nakase spent three seasons with the Aces, winning two championships under renowned coach Becky Hammon. The departure of Nakase, who was popular with players and fans, sparked emotional reactions from her team and staff.

Hammon said in a video posted to the Aces' social media accounts that Nakase had “a big hand in everything we did.”

“Of course I learned things from her, and I hope she learned things from me that she can implement along the way. But because of her caring factor, her perfectionism and her laughter, she will be a great head coach,” Hammon said. “She will be missed, but good things are ahead for her.”

Fellow assistant coach Tyler Marsh wrote on Twitter: “Even though you are the opponent now, you are my sister for life.”

“I am so proud of you and GS couldn’t have chosen a better coach or person to lead their franchise,” he wrote of Nakase. “Keep breaking barriers. I always have your back!”

Aces point guard Syd Colson also spoke up and expressed her pride for Nakase.