Former Valkyries guard Julie Vanloo comes full circle in emotional return to Bay Space

SAN FRANCISCO — Julie Vanloo returned to the Bay Space with no baggage, only a suitcase energetic classes. 

Simply over a month after the Valkyries controversially waived the 32-year-old Belgian level guard, Vanloo stepped again into Chase Heart – a spot the place she immediately turned a fan favourite in her brief time with the enlargement workforce – however this time as a member of the Los Angeles Sparks. 

Whereas she has made peace with how all the things has performed out, Vanloo mentioned she continues to be rising from the heartbreak she felt when the Valkyries finally determined to maneuver on from her. 

“I was at peace even the day after it happened because honestly, I’m just the type of person that likes to keep it moving,” Vanloo mentioned previous to Saturday’s sport towards the Valkyries. “At the end of the day, it’s a business and I do respect that. I’m just happy to be in L.A. But I’m an emotional person for sure, so it’s touchy to be back.”

After main the Belgian nationwide workforce to a EuroBasket championship in July, the Valkyries reduce Vanloo whereas she was flying again to San Francisco. Vanloo missed the Belgian nationwide workforce’s celebration parade and discovered she was waived when she landed at San Francisco Worldwide Airport. 

Golden State Valkyries’ Julie Vanloo (35) dribbles towards Minnesota Lynx’s Natisha Hiedeman within the third quarter on the Chase Heart in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, June 1, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Space Information Group) 

Vanloo publicly shared how heartbroken she was over the scenario on a put up on Instagram. 

“To hear 1 hour upon arrival: we have to waive you. Honestly, that stung,” Vanloo mentioned in an Instagram put up following her launch. “I understand it’s business, but nothing prepares you for the loneliness that comes with getting cut. It feels like the whole world suddenly crashes on your shoulders.”

On the time, the Valkyries needed to make some powerful selections because the workforce was enjoying effectively with out its EuroBasket departures. The workforce finally determined to signal rookie level guard Kaitlyn Chen for the remainder of the season over retaining Vanloo. 

On the time of Vanloo’s launch, Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase mentioned it was one of many hardest selections the franchise needed to make. On Saturday, Nakase mentioned she was pleased to see Vanloo, however emphasised that the league must create extra roster spots in order that groups received’t have to chop gifted gamers. 

Golden State Valkyries’ Kaitlyn Chen #2 inbounds the ball to teammate Julie Vanloo #35 within the fourth quarter of their WNBA pre-season sport towards the the Los Angeles Sparks on the Chase Heart in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, Could 6, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Space Information Group) 

“Am I a proud parent that a lot of my players from training camp landed a job? Hell yeah,” Nakase mentioned. “We need more roster spots. These girls deserve roster spots.”

For Vanloo, coming again to the Bay Space nonetheless stings slightly. 

“I don’t think I actually processed it, I’m not gonna lie,” Vanloo mentioned. “Everything went by so fast. Like I had to pack my bags and clean up my whole apartment. … I think today is going to be a part of that process. I just want to play basketball and have fun while I’m playing. And I’m very happy in L.A. honestly.”

Vanloo performed in 9 video games with the Valkyries, averaging 4.6 factors and 4.1 assists whereas capturing 29.2% from the sphere. Valkyries’ followers introduction to the second-year guard got here when she hit a flurry of 3-pointers within the third quarter throughout Golden State’s season opener towards the Sparks. 

She’s discovered a job with Sparks as a backup level guard to celebrity Kelsey Plum, enjoying in simply over 10 minutes a sport. 

“She’s been phenomenal,” Sparks coach Lynne Roberts mentioned. “I love the flair she plays with. She can flat out shoot it. She’s played a lot of basketball. … She’s been a steady, great person.”

Vanloo will attempt to assist the Sparks make a push for the playoffs after a sluggish begin to the season. Los Angeles got here into Saturday’s sport 8-2 of their earlier 10 video games and tied with the Valkyries for the ultimate playoff spot. 

“I try to help as much as I can,” Vanloo mentioned. “(The Sparks) let me shoot as much as I want. … I feel really good. They made me feel at home. They were very understanding of what the situation was, and welcomed me with open arms. Great organization. I’m very good with a coach, and I’m obviously happy.”

Former Stanford star pleased to be again

Cameron Brink made a reputation for herself at Stanford as an All-American heart. She was taken second general within the 2024 draft by the Sparks, however tore her ACL after simply 15 video games

She made her return on the finish of July and has been an enormous issue within the Sparks’ latest success. 

Taking part in the Valkyries on Saturday, Brink mentioned she was pleased to be again within the Bay Space. 

“I think wherever you go to college, you’re kind of from there too. I mean, I spent four years here, and when we went out as a team (at Stanford), it was in San Francisco. So this is like my second home.”

Initially Revealed: August 9, 2025 at 5:10 PM PDT