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The Golden State Valkyries, who are in just their second year as a WNBA franchise, defeated the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in Game 7 of the 2026 WNBA Finals on Saturday night to secure their first championship.
While the historic victory gave fans plenty to celebrate, head coach Natalie Nakase added another unforgettable moment to the occasion.
Following the championship victory, Nakase could not contain her emotions as she celebrated her players’ accomplishments.
During her postgame remarks, the Valkyries’ head coach dropped an F-bomb while emphasizing that her team had shown everyone what the team was capable of achieving.
“This is for all the people that have been underrated, misunderstood. This is for all y’all, because this is proof: If you put all your heart and all your soul, you [expletive] win championships!” Nakase said during the interview.
The clip quickly drew attention on social media, with WNBA fans praising Nakase’s passion and celebrating her remarkable coaching achievement.
Nakase began her coaching career in 2008 with the Wolfenbüttel Wildcats in Germany’s women’s professional league, right after a knee injury ended her playing career.
In February 2022, she joined the WNBA as an assistant coach under Becky Hammon with the Las Vegas Aces, helping the team win back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023. In October 2024, she was hired as the first head coach of the expansion Golden State Valkyries.
Now, after just two seasons as a WNBA head coach, she has a championship to her name. For many fans, that was enough to go beyond Coach of the Year. Some are already calling her Coach of the Decade.
“Coach of the decade,” one fan said.
Another fan wrote, “NAKASE SO GOATED.”
The Valkyries’ performance in the deciding game was gritty rather than pretty. They shot 24-of-64 from the field (37.5%) and 5-of-20 from the 3-point range (25%), but made 15 of 16 free throws (93.8%). They grabbed 37 rebounds, dished out 11 assists, recorded 7 steals and 8 blocks, and committed 11 turnovers. Gabby Williams led the way with 30 points.
That determination earned praise from fans who believed the entire roster deserved credit for the historic achievement.
“Insane team and coach, congrats GS,” said one fan, whereas another one commented, “That’s the only RING that matters.”
An expansion team winning a title this quickly is rare, and fans know it. The F-bomb became a symbol of that disbelief and pride. It was the sound of a coach who had spent years working her way up, from Germany to Las Vegas to the Bay Area, finally getting to say it out loud.