UCLA women’s basketball had another reason to celebrate after former Bruin Natalie Nakase guided the Golden State Valkyries to their first WNBA championship.

The program shared its congratulations on X, formerly Twitter, following Golden State’s 68-63 Game 7 win over the Atlanta Dream: “Good year to be a Bruin 🐻🏆 Congrats @NatalieNakase and @valkyries on the WNBA championship!” The post connected Nakase’s professional success with the school where her basketball journey took shape.

Nakase made history as the first Asian American head coach to win a WNBA title. She led the expansion Valkyries to a championship in just their second season, adding a landmark achievement to a coaching career spanning the NBA and WNBA.

Before reaching the league’s biggest stage, Nakase built her foundation in Westwood. She joined UCLA as a walk-on after turning down a scholarship from UC Irvine, then worked her way into a starting role. The point guard became a three-year team captain and helped the Bruins reach two NCAA Tournaments.

Her impact also showed in the record book. Nakase earned honorable mention All-Pac-10 recognition in 2002 and finished her UCLA career with 358 assists, ranking 10th in program history. She started 58 consecutive games during her time with the Bruins.

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Nakase later moved into coaching, beginning with the LA Clippers’ G League affiliate before joining the Las Vegas Aces as an assistant in 2022. She was part of the Aces’ championship teams in 2022 and 2023 before the Valkyries named her their inaugural head coach in 2025.

Her latest title gives UCLA another proud achievement to celebrate.