""At first, I was obviously nervous," Nakase said. "The winning culture ... everything that he does, he sets a goal for himself, he accomplishes it. ... I was so inspired by having an interview with him.""
""Whoever gets this job, you have to win in five years. That's the requirement," Nakase recalled Lacob saying. "When you doubt me or put a good challenge in front of me, I'm going to go after it 100%. ... That's when I knew I really want to work for this guy because he has high standards.""
Natalie Nakase was named WNBA Coach of the Year after leading the expansion Golden State Valkyries to a 23-21 record and a playoff berth in their inaugural season. Nakase received 53 of 72 votes, with Karl Smesko receiving 15 and Becky Hammon and Cheryl Reeve receiving two each. Nakase was hired in October 2024 after three seasons as an assistant under Becky Hammon with the Las Vegas Aces and secured the job after a rigorous interview process with owner Joe Lacob. Nearly all Valkyries players posted career highs, Veronica Burton won Most Improved Player, and Kayla Thornton suffered a season-ending injury in July. Nakase credited her players for the accomplishments.
Read at ESPN.com
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