Golden State Valkyries Primer/Propaganda Post
very low effort just setting up a starting point for people to get into them :) wnba playoffs start at the end of september
First WNBA expansion team in history to make the playoffs in their inaugural season, huge storyline as their roster was not predicted to be good. Took another big step this year to be viewed as a legitimate title contender. Known for their defense and bench depth, leading the league in many stats regarding both. Heavily reliant on 3 point shooting.
Based in the Bay Area, they practice in Oakland and play at Chase Center in San Francisco.
Veronica Burton - Starting point guard, acquired via the expansion draft. Had her big breakout season with the Valks last year and is the reigning Most Improved Player in the WNBA. Pure point guard, focuses more on facilitating offense and creating shots for other players rather than shooting, has the best assist-to-turnover ratio in the league.
Gabby Williams - The Valks' big acquisition in free agency, one of the top defensive players in the league. Has also been an incredible player on the French Olympic team (dual American/French citizenship). Engaged to Marine Johannès of the Liberty. Was named an All-Star this season.
Kiah Stokes - One of the top shot blockers in the league right now (2nd blocks/game avg), another key defensive player on the team. Signed with the Valks in the offseason after winning three championships with the Aces.
Kayla Thornton - First ever Valkyries All-Star in 2025, as well as the seventh ever All-Star in league history. Won a title with the 2024 Liberty. She and Stokes are the Valks’ top rebounders. Best ft% on the team.
Cecilia Zandalasini - Good three point shooter. MVP of the FIBA U20 European Championship in 2016, and made the All-Tournament Team for the Eurobasket in 2017 representing Italy. Won a title with Minnesota in 2017.
Janelle Salaün - 2nd year in the league, leading contender for 6POTY (for best player coming off the bench). Really good 3 point shooter, was chosen for the WNBA All-Star shooting competition. Sort of an unconventional coaching method to have her come off the bench as one of their main offensive weapons, but has worked really well. Also has played for the French national team.
Kaitlyn Chen - Back up point guard, has been key this season as a player who can take over games specifically when the starters are struggling. Good at driving to the basket/getting paint points. Has formed a key duo off the bench with Salaun. Also in her second season, and her first full season.
Tiffany Hayes - The most experienced player on the team, this is her 14th WNBA season. 2024 6POTY and top 30 in all time WNBA scoring. Plays for Azerbaijan internationally, including at the 2024 Olympics.
Laeticia Amihere - Another good shot blocker. When she was 15 she became the first Canadian woman to record a dunk and went viral. Plays for the Canadian national team.
Kaila Charles - Signed partway through the 2025 season after a hardship contract and then resigned for two years in April. Has played some of her best basketball with the Valkyries as a rebounder/depth scorer.
Natalie Nakase is the reigning Coach of the Year after taking last year’s roster to the playoffs in their inaugural season and her first year as WNBA head coach. Notably good at getting strong defensive performances out of all players on the team. Recently named an assistant coach for the US in the upcoming FIBA World Cup. Also the first Asian American head coach in the W.
Anyway here's some fun pics :) They are such a fun team to watch and everyone on sports tumblr should get way more WNBA. Pls feel free to ask me any questions and I will do my best to answer!
