Natalie Nakase, the first Asian-American head coach in WNBA history, has achieved groundbreaking success after overcoming challenges in her basketball career. From a walk-on at UCLA to coaching the Golden State Valkyries, Nakase's journey exemplifies determination and resilience. As she prepares to lead the Valkyries in their inaugural game against the Los Angeles Sparks, Nakase emphasizes the importance of representation in coaching. She aspires to inspire aspiring coaches from underrepresented backgrounds, reinforcing her belief that her achievement is significant, and it is crucial that she paves the way for others.
While Nakase cherishes her place in history, she hopes she can inspire the next generation of coaches who look like her, giving them an example of someone who made it.
It means everything, but it's not just that I'm the first, Nakase, 45, told the Bay Area News Group. I have to make sure that I'm not just a footnote in history.
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