# Valkyries player Kaila Charles in WNBA Finals

> Kaila Charles, once waived five times, now plays in WNBA Finals after rapid rise.
- Title: Valkyries player Kaila Charles in WNBA Finals · Sfchronicle
- Summary: Kaila Charles, once waived five times, now plays in WNBA Finals after rapid rise. Kaila Charles, who was waived five times in her career, signed with Golden…
- Keywords: kaila charles, golden state valkyries, wnba, wnba finals, dallas wings, chase center, veronica burton, kayla thornton, cecia zandalasini, kaitlyn chen, ohemaa nyanin, natele nakase
- Source: Sfchronicle — https://sfchronicle.com/sports/article/valkyries-player-wnba-finals-golden-state-22475985.php
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: kaila charles, golden state valkyries, wnba, wnba finals, dallas wings, chase center, veronica burton, kayla thornton, cecia zandalasini, kaitlyn chen, ohemaa nyanin, natele nakase
## Kaila Charles' waiver history
Kaila Charles was waived five times in her career before signing with Golden State Valkyries for the 2025 WNBA Finals.
## Charles' return to Washington
Charles returned to her parents' home in washington, d.c. after being waived by Dallas Wings.
## Charles' grandmother's birthday
Charles planned to travel to trinidad for her grandmother's 94th birthday celebration in august 2025.
## Golden State's roster strategy
Golden State built its title-contending roster with underappreciated players like Charles and Veronica Burton.
## Veronica Burton's journey
Burton, a first-round draft pick, averaged fewer than three points per game before being waived by Dallas Wings in may 2024.
## Kayla Thornton's career
Thornton spent time with four teams before landing with Golden State Valkyries after being waived by New York Liberty.
## Cecilia Zandalasini's rise
Zandalasini started only six previous wnba games before starting 44 over the past two seasons with Valkyries.
## Kaitlyn Chen's development
Chen was an under-the-radar third-round draft choice who blossomed into a key player as Veronica Burton's backup.
## Valkyries' management approach
General manager Ohemaa Nyanin stitched together the roster while head coach Natalie Nakase molded players with a democratic, defense-first ethos.
## Charles' contract progression
Charles signed a seven-day contract, then another, and eventually a two-year deal worth more than $1.2 million for 2025-2027.
## Valkyries' championship run
The Valkyries are four wins from a championship after winning the 2025 WNBA playoffs.
## Team's resilience
The team's members have all faced being cut but remain hungry to succeed in the WNBA.
## Key takeaway

Kaila Charles, who was waived five times in her career, signed with Golden State Valkyries for the 2025 WNBA Finals after a series of short-term contracts.