It's official: Cecilia Zandalasini will officially sport a Golden State Valkyries jersey this season.
The former Lynx forward was drafted by Minnesota in 2017. Though she only played three games for the team that season, she played in 29 games the following year and averaged 5.7 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. Zandalasini rejoined the team last year and played all 40 games.
The Valkyries initially added Zandalasini to the team as part of December's Expansion Draft. Inking a contract with the 6'1" European export helps bring shape to a roster that still has a few holes — but with Monique Billings, Stephanie Talbot, Tiffany Hayes, Kayla Thornton, Julie Vanloo, and Kate Martin also locked in, the vision shared by Natalie Nakase and Ohemaa Nyanin is coming together.
Cecilia Zandalasini gives the Valkyries a needed boost
Zandalasini will bring tremendous versatility to the new team. As one of the league's best 3-point shooters, she more than meets Nakase's stated objective of drafting shooters.
"We want to be physical, we want to be disruptive," Nakase told the San Francisco Chronicle in January 2025. "When we control what we can control, that’s playing hard defensively. I just think defensively, that can carry you on the road." With that in mind, the Liberty's Courtney Vandersloot could be the defensive option the team needs, as well as the point guard who can carry a younger and less-experienced squad to victory within the next few years."
Though it's not likely the Valkyries will make a deep playoff run this season (though never say never!), it doesn't mean the team isn't serious about building for the future. In addition to Zandalasini, Billings, and Hayes will serve as a strong foundation and leaders for the rookies Golden State will bring in.
2025 WNBA Draft options for the Golden State Valkyries
One way Golden State will be able to build out its roster for the future will be by making smart decisions during this year's draft. There are a lot of very compelling athletes (like Dominique Malonga, Elena Bosgana, Harmoni Turner, Azzi Fudd, and Janiah Barker) available for consideration at the team's No. 5, 17, and 30 selection spots — and, unlike a lot of other teams in the league, the Valkyries have the cap space to sign and retain them.
Another athlete the team should look at is Sydney Affolter. The 5'11" guard would be an exceptional role player for the Valkyries specifically, much as she has for Iowa. This season she showed that she was more than capable of leading her team through a delicate, post-Caitlin Clark transition period, and it's likely she would be a strong teammate through the Valkyries' own transition through their first season.