The Golden State Valkyries officially kick-started their inaugural season Sunday, hosting the first day of training camp. It was the first day the entire roster, coaching staff and front office shared a room, but the standard they want to set — and the identity they want to take on — is already clear.
“We’re killers,” said guard Kate Martin, who was brought over from the Las Vegas Aces in the expansion draft. “We want to be gritty; we want to be relentless. We want to be the ones diving on the floor for loose balls. We went to be the ones getting stops, we want to be playing together and work our tails off.”
Day 1 of the camp was spent almost exclusively running defensive drills — a key part of how the Valkyries intend to develop their “killer” identity. Coach Natalie Nakase said that although the coaching staff went through some offensive floor spacing and reads, the team will continue to focus on defense until “we feel that it’s an appropriate time to move on to offense.”
Nakase’s emphasis on defense is nothing new for her. She was feisty on defense as a player, and she instilled that same tenacity as an assistant in Las Vegas.
Now, that focus will shape her squad in the Bay Area. According to Nakase, the style will be a natural fit.
“[Being ‘killers’]…
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