It wasn't easy for Tiffany Hayes to leave the Las Vegas Aces, the 5'10" guard told Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe in an interview released Thursday, but she's looking forward to building something brand new alongside teammate Kate Martin and the rest of the Golden State Valkyries.
Hayes admitted to the pair that leaving the Aces was "very hard." She added, "I had an amazing time with the Aces, and it kind of gave me my love back to the game a little bit. So getting that there and getting to experience playing with some of the best players in the world, best coaches in the world, one of the best organizations, it was cool, it was great."
"But," she continued, "there comes a time when one has to spread their wings, and this was a great place to do that. I'm excited to come in here, and I feel like both of us are, and give it all we got — bring some culture, learn about the culture as well, and make sure we're building this from the ground up into something that will be very amazing. So I wanted to take that opportunity."
Kate Martin and Tiffany Hayes are teammates for a third time
Kate Martin and Tiffany Hayes are teammates for the third time on the Golden State Valkyries, something both athletes spoke about. The pair were previously on the same roster at the Las Vegas Aces and are also Laces BC teammates at Unrivaled.
But Martin, who was drafted as part of the Valkyries' Expansion Draft in December 2024, told Bird and Rapinoe that she didn't have to do anything to convince Hayes to come to the Bay Area. (Hayes signed a $200,000 contract with the Valkyries during WNBA free agency this year.)
When it came to "selling" the Bay Area team to Hayes, Martin said, "I didn't really have to sell, I just was myself. This is like... it's me."
Martin added that "it's nice" to play with Hayes again because "we've been together at all levels, and I couldn't ask for a better vet, honestly. And so I just feel grateful that I get to experience the Aces my rookie year, [then] Unrivaled, something new, nad then something brand, brand new again with her."
Tiffany Hayes signed a major deal with the Golden State Valkyries
Hayes committed to the Valkyries in early February and reportedly signed a $200,000 contract with the team. The Valkyries have needed to sign a guard who can lead, and both GM Ohemaa Nyanin and Head Coach Natalie Nakase have reiterated the team's emphasis on drafting shooters.
Hayes averaged 9.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and a 3-pointer percentage of 40% last year for Las Vegas. Those stats are an excellent foundation for Golden State, who have the space to allow Hayes to build the expansion team from the ground up.