Natalie Nakase aims for second consecutive WNBA Coach of the Year award

Natalie Nakase is poised to defend her WNBA Coach of the Year title in 2026. The Golden State Valkyries are currently 25-9 and positioned three games behind the Minnesota Lynx for the top overall seed. The Valkyries have excelled defensively, holding the league’s top scoring defense, which contributed to their recent 78-70 victory over the Dallas Wings. Nakase previously won Coach of the Year in her inaugural season with the team in 2025. This expansion team has already made playoffs in its second year, a feat accomplished by only three other franchises in league history.

• 12:35 AMYahoo Sports — Why Valkyries' Natalie Nakase is a slam dunk for WNBA Coach of the Year - again