Golden State Valkyries Coach Natalie Nakase Responds to Debate Over Transgender Athletes in Women's Sports
Natalie Nakase Addresses Ongoing Debate
Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase has joined the growing public conversation surrounding transgender participation in women's sports.
During a media session, Nakase was asked about the debate following increased attention on comments made by WNBA player Sophie Cunningham regarding women's sports.
Nakase responded:
"We're all about women... and that includes trans women."
Her remarks quickly spread across social media and became the latest development in an issue that has generated significant discussion across sports.
Inclusion and Personal Experience
Nakase explained that her perspective has been shaped by her own experiences.
She said she had faced criticism because of her height and ethnicity throughout her basketball journey and believes sports should foster a sense of belonging and inclusion.
According to Nakase, those experiences influenced how she views participation in athletics today.
Strong Reactions Online
Following publication of the interview, social media users expressed a wide range of opinions.
Some praised Nakase's emphasis on inclusion and welcoming participation.
Others criticized her comparison between discrimination based on race or ethnicity and debates surrounding eligibility policies for transgender athletes, arguing the issues involve different considerations.
Those reactions reflect opinions expressed online rather than established facts.
A Broader League-Wide Conversation
Nakase is among several WNBA coaches and players who have recently been asked to comment on the issue.
The discussion has intensified as sports organizations around the world continue reviewing eligibility policies balancing inclusion, fairness, and competitive integrity.
Different governing bodies have adopted different approaches, and policies continue to evolve.
Why This Story Matters
The conversation extends well beyond basketball.
Questions about transgender participation in women's sports have become part of a broader public discussion involving athletes, governing bodies, lawmakers, medical experts, and advocacy groups.
As one of the WNBA's newest head coaches, Nakase's comments have added another perspective to an issue that continues to generate national attention.
Key Takeaways
Natalie Nakase said her team is "all about women... and that includes trans women."
She linked her views to her own experiences with discrimination.
Her comments generated both support and criticism online.
The debate continues across professional sports organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Natalie Nakase say?
Nakase said, "We're all about women... and that includes trans women," while discussing inclusion in sports.
Why are people reacting?
Her comments came during an ongoing public debate over transgender participation in women's sports, leading to differing opinions online.
Did the Golden State Valkyries announce a policy?
No. Nakase's comments reflected her personal perspective during a media session and did not announce a new league or team policy.
Editorial Note
This article reports Natalie Nakase's publicly available comments and summarizes reactions that followed online. The supportive and critical responses described are presented as public opinion and not as established fact. Policies regarding athlete eligibility vary among governing bodies and continue to evolve.
Steph Curry Drops 31 in First Game Wearing Nikes as Warriors Beat Jazz, 134–117
November 27, 2025•2 min read
SAN FRANCISCO — Steph Curry isn’t slowing down.
Not at 37.
Not after a shoe deal change.
Not even after the Warriors’ rough start to the season.
Curry fired 31 points on six 3-pointers to lead the Golden State Warriors past the Utah Jazz, 134–117. The game was special for another reason — this was Curry’s first NBA appearance wearing Nike sneakers, shifting away from Under Armour and debuting the Nike Sabrina 3s. Sabrina Ionescu herself was in attendance to witness the moment.
It was also Curry’s third straight 30+ point game, and his fifth such performance of the season.
Jimmy Butler added 18 points, seven assists, and six rebounds, while Moses Moody and Gary Payton II chipped in across the board. Golden State’s bench erupted for 52 points, highlighted by Buddy Hield’s shooting.
For the Jazz, Keyonte George scored a strong 28 points, but Utah fell to 0–5 on the road this season and has lost six of their last seven overall.
GSW started cold, missing their first six shots and falling behind 11–0 early, but stormed back with a 17–3 run before taking a 67–55 halftime lead.
Draymond Green, dealing with a sprained foot, missed his third game of the month, and Jonathan Kuminga remained out with knee issues.
Golden State has now won 10 straight home games against Utah.
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The Grizzlies, dealing with multiple injuries including Ja Morant and Zach Edey, still managed to keep it competitive. But Murray’s back-to-back daggers and Tim Hardaway Jr.’s crucial bucket with 2:23 left sealed the finish.
Denver moves to 3–1 in their last four games, reminding the league they are still a threat — even shorthanded.
