Valkyries Coach Breaks Silence After Team's Controversial Decision
On Monday, the Golden State Valkyries reactivated Cecilia Zandalasini and Janelle Salaün following their participation in EuroBasket. Their return prompted a roster shake-up that resulted in three players being released.
Chloe Bibby, Bree Hall, and Julie Vanloo were all let go, ending their stints in Golden State. Vanloo had also competed in EuroBasket, playing a role in Belgium’s championship-winning run.
The release of Vanloo was especially controversial due to the timing, as she left the celebration early to rejoin Golden State. She had appeared in nine games for Golden State this season, posting averages of 4.6 points, 1.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists. While she struggled from the field, making just 29.2% of her overall attempts and 21.1% of her shots from deep, she was a prospect many fans were excited about.
Speaking on the release of all three players, Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase addressed reporters. Specifically, she mentioned addressing Vanloo face-to-face.
“No. I mean, I'm going to let the front office think about that,” Nakase said (via Kenzo Fukuda of ClutchPoints). “But from my perspective, I would say that's respectful because whenever a situation like that happens, you bring them in. And as an adult, you say thanks face-to-face. That was out of respect.”
NEW 📝📝📝
— Kenzo Fukuda (@kenzofuku) July 3, 2025
Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase fielded questions today at open practice on the team’s unexpected release of Belgian guard Julie Vanloo. https://t.co/MZvv6Ok2FE
She added, "It was heartbreaking. It was painful. I'm not a mom, but it was like I gave away three kids. Julie meant a lot. Chloe meant a lot. Even Bree. I wish I could keep them all, to be honest. But we only have 12 roster spots. Like I said prior, they all surpassed our expectations and we're just trying to make the most competitive team possible."
Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA and WNBA for On SI. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined On SI to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts and in the classroom earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time, primarily serving as a Clippers beat writer.