Update: WNBA Champion Ruled Out for Valkyries-Aces
Playing short-handed has almost become standard practice for the Golden State Valkyries as of late.
It began with the loss of All-Star forward Kayla Thornton to season-ending knee surgery early in July. Then, forward Monique Billings developed a nagging ankle injury. She attempted to play on but has since been relegated to the sidelines while she recovers and the team has made plans to reevaluate her at a later date, putting Billings out for weeks.
The trouble didn't stop there. Guard Tiffany Hayes missed the game against the Chicago Sky on Friday with an injury as did forward Cecilia Zandalasini, the second straight absence for the latter. This combined for four players that were missing from the Valkyries' roster when they defeated the Sky. Golden State head coach Natalie Nakase went with a three-guard rotation for the victory, giving Kate Martin and Carla Leite the start.
a moment for @ceciznd's game-winning shot please. pic.twitter.com/j6ah6mhkgr
— Golden State Valkyries (@valkyries) July 30, 2025
The loss of Zandalsini was a particularly vexing one. The 2017 WNBA champion rose to the occasion with an 18 point, game-saving performance against the Atlanta Dream on July 29, helping make up for the loss of Thornton. Then Zandalasini was announced as questionable with a foot injury and did not play in the next two games.
It initially appeared that Nakase's crucial roster piece may be making her return for the Valkyries' upcoming game against the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday. When AP News revealed Golden State's injury report, Zandalasini was not listed. However, shortly before tip-off, Kendra Andrews of ESPN reported she had been downgraded to out.
The Valkyries will now play today’s game without Tiffany Hayes, who’s dealing with a left leg injury.
— Kendra Andrews (@kendra__andrews) August 3, 2025
Cecilia Zandalasini remains out (left foot), as does Mo Billings (right ankle) and Kayla Thornton (right knee).
Hayes also remains out. Golden State has been hit especially hard by the injury bug in the past month, and that is not letting up against Vegas despite early reports inidcating it could be.
Bio: Jack Haslett is a writer and photographer covering Golden State Valkyries basketball for Sports Illustrated. Jack has previously published work with the Sporting Tribune, the Long Beach Current and DIG Magazine, covering sports, community events and news. A graduate from Long Beach State University, Jack has a passion for writing, photography and all things sports.