University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
Natalie Nakase Named First Head Coach of Golden State Valkyries
October 10, 2024 | Women's Basketball
LOS ANGELES – UCLA alumna Natalie Nakase has been announced as the first head coach of the Golden State Valkyries, which joins the WNBA ahead of the 2025 season.
A back-to-back champion with the Las Vegas Aces, Nakase spent the last three years (2022-24) as the first assistant coach with the Nevada W team. The WNBA's newest head coach boasts more than 16 years of professional basketball coaching experience, including 10 seasons in the NBA with her hometown Los Angeles Clippers.
"We are so happy for Natalie," said the Michael Price Family UCLA Women's Head Basketball Coach Cori Close. "She has a brilliant basketball mind, she is a proven tactician and a passionate leader of people! She has been a tremendous resource for us at UCLA, and I can't wait to see her soar with the Valkyries."
Nakase began her UCLA career as a walk-on women's basketball player. During her career (1998-2003), she played her way into the starting lineup and served as a three-time team captain for the Bruins. She started in 87-consecutive games to finish her Bruin career, earning All-Pac-10 Honorable Mention in the 2001-02 campaign. A native of Los Angeles, she graduated with her bachelor of science in psychology.
After graduation, she played professionally for two years in the National Women's Basketball League (NWBL) with the San Jose Spiders and San Diego Siege. Nakase also competed for one season in Germany, where she suffered a career-ending knee injury in 2008. She began her coaching career shortly thereafter, leading the Wolfenbüttel Wildcats Baskets in the German Bundesliga from 2008-10.
About the Golden State Valkyries
The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA affiliate of the seven-time NBA Champion Golden State Warriors, were announced as the 13th WNBA franchise on October 5, 2023. Originating from Norse mythology, Valkyries are a host of warrior women who are fearless and unwavering – flying through air and sea alike. This brand is Golden State's modern interpretation of Valkyries: strong, bold, and fierce. Tipping off during the 2025 WNBA season, the team is headquartered in Oakland and will play home games at Chase Center in San Francisco.
A back-to-back champion with the Las Vegas Aces, Nakase spent the last three years (2022-24) as the first assistant coach with the Nevada W team. The WNBA's newest head coach boasts more than 16 years of professional basketball coaching experience, including 10 seasons in the NBA with her hometown Los Angeles Clippers.
"We are so happy for Natalie," said the Michael Price Family UCLA Women's Head Basketball Coach Cori Close. "She has a brilliant basketball mind, she is a proven tactician and a passionate leader of people! She has been a tremendous resource for us at UCLA, and I can't wait to see her soar with the Valkyries."
Nakase began her UCLA career as a walk-on women's basketball player. During her career (1998-2003), she played her way into the starting lineup and served as a three-time team captain for the Bruins. She started in 87-consecutive games to finish her Bruin career, earning All-Pac-10 Honorable Mention in the 2001-02 campaign. A native of Los Angeles, she graduated with her bachelor of science in psychology.
After graduation, she played professionally for two years in the National Women's Basketball League (NWBL) with the San Jose Spiders and San Diego Siege. Nakase also competed for one season in Germany, where she suffered a career-ending knee injury in 2008. She began her coaching career shortly thereafter, leading the Wolfenbüttel Wildcats Baskets in the German Bundesliga from 2008-10.
About the Golden State Valkyries
The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA affiliate of the seven-time NBA Champion Golden State Warriors, were announced as the 13th WNBA franchise on October 5, 2023. Originating from Norse mythology, Valkyries are a host of warrior women who are fearless and unwavering – flying through air and sea alike. This brand is Golden State's modern interpretation of Valkyries: strong, bold, and fierce. Tipping off during the 2025 WNBA season, the team is headquartered in Oakland and will play home games at Chase Center in San Francisco.
UCLA W. Basketball Media Availability - Coach Cori Close (March 31, 2026)
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UCLA W. Basketball Media Availability - Players (March 31, 2026)
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Media Availability - Cori Close
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