SAN FRANCISCO, CA - AUGUST 4: Kiah Stokes #41 of the Golden State Valkyries drives to the basket during the game against the Toronto Tempo on August 4, 2026 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
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During one of the Valkyries’ first practices back from the FIBA break, Golden State guard Tiffany Hayes made clear how much had changed in a year.
The Valkyries weren’t the new kids anymore.
After losing in the first round to Minnesota last season as an expansion team, Golden State has catapulted into second place in the WNBA and established itself among the league’s top teams.
“Teams don’t look at us like a new team anymore,” Hayes said. “The next step is going to be harder… We’re a real contender, so it’s making sure we know that going into (the playoffs).”
Golden State will enter its second postseason with considerably more experience than it had for last year’s lopsided first-round matchup with Minnesota, then the best team in the league.
Six Valkyries players have reached at least the WNBA semifinals during their careers. Three of them, Kayla Thornton, Kiah Stokes and Cecilia Zandalasini, have won WNBA championships.
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