Kate Martin Had One Word for Valkyries Coach on Thursday

The Golden State Valkyries were one of the best teams in the WNBA for the month of June. They won seven out of their eleven games last month, including a statement 88-77 victory at Chase Center against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on June 19. 

On Thursday, the WNBA announced that Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase has been awarded the league's Coach of the Month title for June. The rookie shot-caller led her team to a strong month, which, as of writing, has them sitting in the sixth spot in the league with a 9-7 record. 

Golden State guard Kate Martin caught wind of the big news. The former Iowa star reacted to Nakase's major milestone with just one word. 

"Yasssssss," she wrote. 

This is Nakase's first Coach of the Month award. She is in her first season as a WNBA head coach after being an assistant under Becky Hammon with the Las Vegas Aces over the past three years. 

Nakase has made waves in her debut campaign, and she has now been recognized for the hard work that she's put in. 

Martin, on the other hand, has been a key player in Nakase's rotation this season, averaging 7.3 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.3 three-pointers per game.

Golden State Valkyries guard Kate Martin reacts to Natalie Nakase news.

Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

The expectations were not very high for the Valkyries in their first season in the WNBA, but thanks in part to Nakase's vision and excellent coaching skills, this team has now established itself as a serious playoff contender. 

The Valkyries get a tough test in their next game as they battle Napheesa Collier and the league-best Minnesota Lynx on Saturday. This kicks off a four-game road trip for Golden State, which includes a matchup against the Fever on Wednesday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.