It sounds like the Valkyries are still figuring out Kayla Thornton’s status. When asked if she would play in the preseason game, she said on Friday “we’ll see.” Coach Natalie Nakase then said she wanted to hear from Thornton herself she was “100%” and that doctors agreed.

“I’m giving KT the space to let me know how her body feels every single day,” Nakase added.

Gabby Williams will be in the Bay Area on Saturday, but Nakase didn’t have a timeline for when she will join the team in practice. “I’ll do a check in with her when she gets here, where her mindset is, where her physical body feels,” Nakase said. “She does know the Bay. She’s been here before. So I’m just really excited just to see her reaction.”

After the paywall, an exclusive conversation with Tiffany Hayes about her role and what’s next for her with the Valkyries.