The Valkyries’ rotation is still wide open. While some WNBA veterans, like Tiffany Hayes, Monique Billings, Kayla Thornton, and Temi Fagbenle, should already have a secure spot in the rotation, there is plenty of room for other players to stake their claim and convince the coaching staff that they should be on the court regularly.
Laeticia Amihere made the most of her opportunity in the Valkyries’ first preseason game. She came off the bench but led the team in scoring, finishing with 20 points and two rebounds in 19 minutes. Amihere provided a massive offensive spark and energy off the bench. She even hit a big three at the end of the game to cut the deficit to one.
If Amihere can continue to play like this—and maybe add some more rebounds or a few assists—she could secure a consistent spot in the Valkyries’ rotation.
Amihere has a great opportunity with the Valkyries
Laeticia Amihere entered the WNBA in 2023 as the eighth overall pick in the draft. Despite being a first-round pick, she played little with the Atlanta Dream. Over two seasons, she appeared in only 38 games and averaged 6.1 minutes per game. In 2024, she played ten or more minutes in four games and put up a season-high eight points and five rebounds in an 83-69 loss to the New York Liberty in September. That was the last WNBA game Amihere suited up for.
With the Valkyries, Amihere has a different kind of opportunity. The Valkyries do not have an established core or rotation yet. There is plenty of room for Amihere to claim consistent regular-season minutes for the first time in her WNBA career.
She is only 23 years old and will need consistent minutes to reach her full potential. The Valkyries could give her those opportunities. While head coach Natalie Nakase has made it clear that the Valkyries will try their hardest to compete right away, there is no real pressure on them to win a lot. So, they can and should allow young players to play significant minutes and work through their mistakes.
The Valkyries need someone to score at a high level and Amihere showed in her preseason debut that she can do just that. She ran the floor, pushed the pace, handled the ball, and hit two threes in her debut with the Valkyries.
Nakase spoke highly of Amihere after the game, praising her versatility and noting how difficult it will be for opponents to guard her.
Amihere made the most of her first in-game opportunity and set a great foundation for the 2025 season. She will get another chance to build on her strong debut when the Valkyries face the Phoenix Mercury in their second preseason game later this week.