Natalie Nakase is 1st Asian American WNBA head coach and unfazed by being the face of the Valkyries

Natalie Nakase has made history as the first Asian American head coach in the WNBA, leading the Golden State Valkyries, the league's first expansion franchise since 2008. The Valkyries unveiled their vibrant purple court at Chase Center ahead of their first game against the LA Sparks. Nakase, who overcame challenges as a 5-foot-2 walk-on at UCLA, credits her success to a supportive inner circle and her "tough love" coaching approach. She aims to shift perceptions about Asian American women in leadership roles, stating, "I think it's more like what's in your mind rather than like the exterior part of it. " The WNBA currently has four head coaches of color, with Nakase being the only Asian American among them.

This season, only one-fourth of head coaches in the league are Black, highlighting a disparity in representation compared to the player demographics. The WNBA plans to expand to 16 teams by 2028, coinciding with a surge in popularity for women's sports. Nakase's journey from assistant coach to head coach exemplifies the evolving landscape of women's athletics.