This website collects cookies to deliver better user experience. Cookie Policy
Accept
Sign In
The Wall Street Publication
  • Home
  • Trending
  • U.S
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
    • Business
    • Economy
    • Real Estate
    • Markets
    • Personal Finance
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle
    • Style
    • Arts
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
Reading: Valkyries course of finish of inaugural season, look forward to offseason
Share
The Wall Street PublicationThe Wall Street Publication
Font ResizerAa
Search
  • Home
  • Trending
  • U.S
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
    • Business
    • Economy
    • Real Estate
    • Markets
    • Personal Finance
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle
    • Style
    • Arts
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
© 2024 The Wall Street Publication. All Rights Reserved.
The Wall Street Publication > Blog > U.S > Valkyries course of finish of inaugural season, look forward to offseason
U.S

Valkyries course of finish of inaugural season, look forward to offseason

Editorial Board Published September 19, 2025
Share
Valkyries course of finish of inaugural season, look forward to offseason
SHARE

OAKLAND — Monique Billings mentioned all of it with out saying a phrase.

Contained in the Valkyries’ observe facility Thursday afternoon, Kaitlyn Chen was requested to judge her rookie season within the WNBA. She glanced on the veteran sitting to her left and mentioned, “I can’t believe it’s over.”

Billings’ eyes welled up with emotion as she mouthed two phrases again to Chen: “I know.”

Lower than 24 hours after the Valkyries let a 17-point lead slip away in a 75-74 loss to the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx, the growth crew was nonetheless processing the tip to its inaugural season. On the one hand, they shocked the league with their unprecedented and sudden run to the postseason. On the opposite, the franchise has far loftier objectives than a first-round exit.

Addressing the crew after the loss, coach Natalie Nakase tried to string the needle.

“That was one of the points in Natalie’s speech: We want to win a championship. That’s what this organization is trying to build, and this is just one step,” mentioned heart Iliana Rupert, who completed with eight factors in 32 minutes Wednesday. “I don’t know how many times. she said it, but she’s really proud of us. She told us that, even her, she didn’t really know what to expect and never would have believed we could accomplish so much. … It was a really beautiful moment. Some tears were shed.”

Compelled to maneuver their lone residence playoff recreation to the SAP Heart in San Jose due to a scheduling battle at Chase Heart, the unmatched ambiance of Balhalla migrated south with a sellout of 18,543 followers.

After they had been eradicated, the capability crowd gave the crew a standing ovation.

“It kind of felt like we won,” mentioned guard Tiffany Hayes, who didn’t play due to a knee damage.

“It was so loud in there, just from the jump,” added reserve guard Kate Martin. “From the tipoff to the final buzzer — and even after the final buzzer — it was so loud in there. It was the loudest I’ve ever heard it.”

Very like the keenness the upstart crew has generated from these followers this season, their outlook towards an unsure offseason was as constructive as could be. Nonetheless, they left for his or her offseason commitments with loads of questions.

“The W’s going to be different,” mentioned Cecilia Zandalasini, who had the ball in her palms with an opportunity to increase the Valkyries’ season however had her contested jumper clank off the rim because the buzzer sounded.

A roster that churned via 20 gamers will probably see extra turnover with some gamers set to turn into free brokers. The league will develop by two extra groups, which means two extra growth drafts and two extra entrance places of work making an attempt to copy the Valkyries’ immediate success as the one first-year franchise to make the postseason. There may be additionally the excellent query of a brand new collective bargaining settlement, which have to be ratified by the gamers and the house owners earlier than subsequent season can tip off.

“It’s a good problem to have,” Kaila Charles mentioned. “We’re expanding. The league is getting bigger. There’s room for more players. Hopefully we can come to an agreement soon and we’re able to start the season on time. … (I’m) just looking forward to finding a home and being on the team. Hopefully that’s here, but with the expansion draft, you never know.”

Charles is one in all 5 unrestricted free brokers on the Valkyries roster — together with Billings, Hayes, Kayla Thornton and Temi Fagbenle — all of whom expressed an identical want to return. There are solely two gamers who received’t be free brokers in some type: Kate Martin and Carla Leite.

“I would love to come back here next year,” Billings mentioned. Hayes echoed the sentiment, including her determination was “as simple as it’s going to get.” Fagbenle, a late scratch from Wednesday’s recreation, additionally mentioned she would “love to be back here next year.”

However, she added, “We’ll have to see.”

One factor is certain: the Valkyries have their coach, which is greater than could be mentioned for the crew this time final 12 months. Nakase’s rent wasn’t introduced till final October, and on Wednesday, she was introduced the WNBA Coach of the 12 months trophy earlier than tipoff.

“All we know is that the people who we have now are a great foundation to build upon,” Fagbenle mentioned. “Everyone can see that. So, how many of us can you keep together? That’s the question.”

Notable

— Thornton, whose season got here to an finish in July by a knee damage she suffered in observe, was not made obtainable. Nor had been Nakase or common supervisor Ohemaa Nyanin, who’re anticipated to handle reporters early subsequent week.

— Hayes was restricted to 26 video games and didn’t see the courtroom for the ultimate month of the season due to her personal knee damage. She mentioned it was “definitely frustrating” however taught her a lesson: “Taking care of yourself is very important. … You want to be there for the team, so you push, push, push. But I’m learning that it’s not always best to be that way.”

— Fagbenle mentioned it was “excruciating” to be pressured to look at the loss from the bench. She was dominated out in a game-time determination, “and, hey, it looked like the right choice for a long time in that game,” she mentioned. “Until the last quarter. Right? They did great without me.”

— For a lot of the roster, the offseason received’t supply a lot of an opportunity to relaxation. Hayes, Billings, Charles, Janelle Salaun, Laeticia Amihere, Zandalasini, Leite and Fagbenle all have plans to play abroad. Chen has dedicated to Athletes Limitless, the brand new league based mostly out of Nashville. Final offseason, Martin performed in one other upstart league, Unmatched, and was sporting the league’s merchandise in her exit interview, although she recognized another priorities: “Enjoy some family time, go home, go on vacation.”

Initially Revealed: September 18, 2025 at 6:33 PM PDT

TAGGED:aheadinauguraloffseasonprocessSeasonValkyries
Share This Article
Twitter Email Copy Link Print
Previous Article Karnataka Caste Census To Be Delayed? Shivakumar Says Resolution With CM Siddaramaiah | Politics Information Karnataka Caste Census To Be Delayed? Shivakumar Says Resolution With CM Siddaramaiah | Politics Information
Next Article Submit-Kimmel, Dems may change the cancel tradition narrative Submit-Kimmel, Dems may change the cancel tradition narrative

Editor's Pick

Emman Atienza Reason for Demise: Social Media Star Passes Away at 19

Emman Atienza Reason for Demise: Social Media Star Passes Away at 19

Studying Time: 2 minutes Beloved influencer Emman Atienza has been discovered lifeless in Los Angeles. She was simply 19 years…

By Editorial Board 2 Min Read
The 2025 Denim Playbook: The Finest Denims and Manufacturers for Each Type | Fashion
The 2025 Denim Playbook: The Finest Denims and Manufacturers for Each Type | Fashion

We independently consider all advisable services. Any services or products put ahead…

6 Min Read
Santa Rosa police arrest suspects in Condor Membership supervisor’s killing
Santa Rosa police arrest suspects in Condor Membership supervisor’s killing

Santa Rosa police have arrested a person and lady from Dublin within…

2 Min Read

Oponion

How the U.S. Messed Up Its New 5G Rollout: ‘It Wasn’t Our Finest Hour’

How the U.S. Messed Up Its New 5G Rollout: ‘It Wasn’t Our Finest Hour’

The Biden and Trump administrations had years of warnings. But…

January 21, 2022

EV Battery Investments Are Getting More Political

Car makers’ battery investments took a…

September 24, 2021

Centre did not honour its personal commitments on Statehood to Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh: Omar Abdullah

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar…

September 29, 2025

Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate, Caught Enjoying Rummy In Maha Meeting, Will get Sports activities Portfolio | Politics Information

Final Up to date:August 01, 2025,…

August 1, 2025

Senators Want Social-Media Apps to Share Research

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators…

December 9, 2021

You Might Also Like

Prompt evaluation: Warriors castoff lights up Golden State in Milwaukee
U.S

Prompt evaluation: Warriors castoff lights up Golden State in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE – A considerable variety of the Milwaukee trustworthy attended Thursday evening’s recreation at Fiserv Discussion board wearing colourful Halloween…

4 Min Read
Sale closed in Los Gatos: .7 million for a condominium
U.S

Sale closed in Los Gatos: $2.7 million for a condominium

The spacious property within the 500 block of Monterey Avenue in Los Gatos was bought on Sept. 22, 2025 for…

2 Min Read
Idaho official investigating Millbrae police chief over property tax break
U.S

Idaho official investigating Millbrae police chief over property tax break

A county assessor in Idaho has opened an investigation to find out how Millbrae police Chief Eamonn Allen and his…

6 Min Read
In response to fears over ICE enforcement, Bay Space cities guarantee that everybody will likely be protected throughout Halloween
U.S

In response to fears over ICE enforcement, Bay Space cities guarantee that everybody will likely be protected throughout Halloween

ANTIOCH — Amid nationwide fears over federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement exercise throughout Halloween, Bay Space cities assured the general…

6 Min Read
The Wall Street Publication

About Us

The Wall Street Publication, a distinguished part of the Enspirers News Group, stands as a beacon of excellence in journalism. Committed to delivering unfiltered global news, we pride ourselves on our trusted coverage of Politics, Business, Technology, and more.

Company

  • About Us
  • Newsroom Policies & Standards
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Careers
  • Media & Community Relations
  • WP Creative Group
  • Accessibility Statement

Contact

  • Contact Us
  • Contact Customer Care
  • Advertise
  • Licensing & Syndication
  • Request a Correction
  • Contact the Newsroom
  • Send a News Tip
  • Report a Vulnerability

Term of Use

  • Digital Products Terms of Sale
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Settings
  • Submissions & Discussion Policy
  • RSS Terms of Service
  • Ad Choices

© 2024 The Wall Street Publication. All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?