# Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase ready for WNBA Finals

> Natalie Nakase, WNBA coach, leads Golden State Valkyries to Finals after two years of growth.
- Title: Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase ready for WNBA Finals
- Summary: Natalie Nakase, WNBA coach, leads Golden State Valkyries to Finals after two years of growth. Natalie Nakase's Golden State Valkyries reach WNBA Finals after…
- Keywords: natalie nakase, golden state valkyries, wnba, wnba finals, seahawks, nfl, championship, news, local, Valkyries, coach, Natalie
- Source: The San Francisco Standard — https://sfstandard.com/2026/10/12/natalie-nakase-valkyries-wnba-finals
- Published: 2026-10-12T16:00:05+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: natalie nakase, golden state valkyries, wnba, wnba finals, seahawks, nfl, championship, news, local
## Natalie Nakase
Natalie Nakase won two championships as an assistant with the Las Vegas Aces.
## Valkyries coach
Natalie Nakase became head coach for Golden State Valkyries in 2025.
## WNBA Finals
Valkyries reach WNBA Finals after sweeping Atlanta Dream in best-of-seven series.
## Championship history
Nakase won two championships as assistant with Las Vegas Aces from 2022 to 2024.
## 2025 season
Valkyries had 23 wins in debut season and earned first expansion team playoff berth.
## 2026 season
Valkyries won 32 regular-season games and earned No. 2 playoff seed.
## Coaching partnership
Nakase and Becky Hammon coached against each other after working together in Las Vegas.
## Culture building
Nakase built a locker room culture of high-character players who support each other.
## Championship focus
Nakase described championship culture as 'win or die' mentality with no room for failure.
## Player praise
A'ja Wilson called Nakase's coaching 'a tribute to her' for her effort and leadership.
## Next step
Valkyries face Atlanta Dream in best-of-seven WNBA Finals series.
## Key takeaway

Natalie Nakase's Golden State Valkyries reach WNBA Finals after two years of building a championship culture.