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Inside the 2026 Golden State Valkyries active roster
After an exciting inaugural campaign in 2025, the Bay Area’s latest pro franchise is ready to make serious noise in Year 2. Head coach Natalie Nakase spent the offseason meticulously fine-tuning the Golden State Valkyries roster, blending battle-tested veterans with promising young talent to build a genuine playoff contender in the highly competitive Western Conference.
To help you track the team’s ongoing evolution, I’ve compiled all the essential details in one place. Keep scrolling to find the current active Valkyries roster, up-to-date injury report, and a breakdown of the front-office personnel leading Golden State this season.
WNBA - Golden State Valkyries Roster
| # | Player | Position | Height | Age | Birth place |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3 | Laeticia Amihere | F | 6'3" | 24 | Mississauga, Canada |
22 | Veronica Burton | G | 5'9" | 25 | Newton, MA |
6 | Kaila Charles | G | 6'1" | 28 | Glenn Dale, MD |
2 | Kaitlyn Chen | G | 5'9" | 24 | San Marino, CA |
45 | Nadia Fingall | C | 6'4" | — | Navarre, FL |
15 | Tiffany Hayes | G | 5'10" | 36 | Lakeland, FL |
4 | Juste Jocyte | G | 6'0" | 20 | — |
11 | Ashten Prechtel | F | 6'5" | 25 | Colorado Springs, CO |
12 | Iliana Rupert | C | 6'4" | 24 | — |
13 | Janelle Salaun | F | 6'2" | 24 | — |
7 | Miela Sowah | G | 5'10" | 26 | Rockhampton, Australia |
41 | Kiah Stokes | C | 6'3" | 33 | Cedar Rapids, IA |
5 | Kayla Thornton | F | 6'1" | 33 | El Paso, TX |
1 | Gabby Williams | F | 5'11" | 29 | Sparks, NV |
24 | Cecilia Zandalasini | F | 6'2" | 30 | Milan, Italy |
Top Valkyries players to watch
When evaluating Golden State’s offense, veteran forward Kayla Thornton stands out as a key contributor. Anchoring the scoring and rebounding effort, the recent All-Star selection provides reliable production and stability in the frontcourt. She’s joined on the wing by Gabby Williams, who impacts the game across the board with steady rebounding, playmaking, and scoring.
Running the offense from the perimeter is guard Veronica Burton. Serving as the team’s primary facilitator, Burton distributes the ball efficiently while also providing a reliable scoring punch in the backcourt.
Current Valkyries injury report
WNBA - Golden State Valkyries Injury Report
| Player | Status | Expected return | Injury | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ashten Prechtel | Out | June 17 | Coach's Decision | Prechtel (coach's decision) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Sparks. |
Miela Sowah | Out | June 17 | Coach's Decision | Sowah (coach's decision) is out for Monday's game against the Sparks. |
Iliana Rupert | Out | May | Not Injury Related | Rupert is pregnant, and the Valkyries have filed for a replacement contract ahead of the 2026 season, Alexa Philippou of ESPN.com reports Thursday. |
Golden State Valkyries coaching staff & front office
- General Manager: Ohemaa Nyanin
- Head Coach: Natalie Nakase
- Assistant Coach: Kasib Powell
- Assistant Coach: Sugar Rodgers
- Assistant Coach: Landon Tatum
- Player Development: Sidney Parsons
- Athletic Trainers: Katelin Knox, Allison DeKuiper

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Golden State Valkyries roster FAQ
Who's the head coach of the Valkyries?
Natalie Nakase is the head coach of the Golden State Valkyries, leading the franchise in its second official season. Previously, Nakase was an assistant coach with the Las Vegas Aces.
Who's the highest-paid player on the Valkyries?
Veteran wing Gabby Williams currently commands the highest salary on the Golden State payroll. The franchise heavily invested in her elite two-way skillset and international experience to help anchor the roster.
What's the average age of the Valkyries roster?
The average age of the Golden State Valkyries is approximately 26. There are only four players 30 years or older on the roster.
Who owns the Golden State Valkyries?
The Golden State Valkyries are owned by Joe Lacob and Peter Guber. The ownership duo also operates the NBA's Golden State Warriors, sharing Chase Center in San Francisco.
CableTV.com editors created this article using original analysis and proprietary inputs, with AI tools assisting in drafting. The final content was reviewed and edited for accuracy and quality.