At long last, the Golden State Valkyries have made the team's first-ever WNBA Draft selections.
It's a moment that has been anticipated ever since the Valkyries franchise was announced in October 2023. The Valkyries are the first WNBA expansion team since the Atlanta Dream joined the league in 2008, and expectations for the new kids on the block are sky-high.
The Valkyries have steadily checked off each box ahead of the draft. Natalie Nakase was hired as the team's head coach in October 2024, just over a year after the team was announced. "Being named the head coach of the Golden State Valkyries is a lifelong dream come true," she said at the time. "I am thankful to Joe Lacob, Ohemaa Nyanin and the Golden State front office for entrusting me with this responsibility. We are committed to building a winning culture of grit, hard work, and competitiveness. We will strive to improve, compete, and ultimately bring home a championship for our fans and this organization."
The team held its own Expansion Draft in December and added Kate Martin, Kayla Thornton, and Monique Billings among others. This year's free agency saw Temi Fagbenle officially sign her deal with the team, and the Valkyries have invested in several incredible talents from Europe who will help the team grow now and in the future.
But, of course, it was all leading to Monday night. Here's who the Golden State Valkyries drafted this year (and what it tells us about the team's plans for the 2025 season):
Golden State Valkyries WNBA Draft No. 5 pick: Juste Jocyte
Though some fans were surprised by the selection, Justė Jocytė brings a lot of European experience to the WNBA. She navigates the pick and roll well and can drive the ball, has a strong mental grip on the game, and at 6'0" she brings a lot of size to the team. The Lithuanian guard made her professional debut for her national team at the age of 14 — and that was after she played in a EuroBasket game when she was only 13. Jocytė is averaging 11.9 points, 2.8 assists, and 3.2 rebounds in Lyon. The investment in Jocyte indicates the Valkyries are optimistic about their first season and focused on the team's long-term success.
Golden State Valkyries WNBA Draft No. 17 pick: Shyanne Sellers
Drafting Sellers in the second round was a very smart move by the Valkyries. That she was available at this point was a bit of a surprise — Sellers was a powerhouse for Maryland. She averaged 14 points and 4 assists last year, shot 41%, and is 6'2". She can score, she can pass the ball, and she knows how to use her size on the court. Being drafted by the Valkyries should give Sellers plenty of time on the court, something fans will love to see. Adding Sellers to the team shows the Valkyries were serious when they said they want shooters because she certainly is that.
Golden State Valkyries WNBA Draft No. 30 pick: Kaitlyn Chen
Chen is a floor general in absolutely every applicable way the phrase can be used in terms of a basketball game. She reads the court effortlessly and rarely makes a bad shot, doesn't appear to get easily caught up in high-pressure games, and is a staunch team player who can always set up a teammate for a great shot. Adding her to the team was a bold move (and a pleasant surprise) that will undoubtedly serve the Valkyries well.