The Golden State Valkyries have made a significant move in the WNBA free agency period by officially signing Tiffany Hayes, enhancing their roster as an expansion team. The announcement was made on Thursday, marking a pivotal moment for the franchise as they work to establish themselves in the league.
General Manager Ohemaa Nyanin expressed enthusiasm about Hayes joining the team, highlighting her impressive skills as a player. “Tiffany is a dynamic scorer who can change the momentum of a game in an instant,” Nyanin stated. He also noted her contagious energy and unselfishness on the court, emphasizing how her contributions will uplift her teammates. Additionally, he praised Hayes’s defensive prowess and scoring talents as essential assets to the team’s development in the Bay Area.
Hayes, 35, boasts a solid 12-year career averaging 13.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists while playing for teams including Atlanta, Connecticut, and Las Vegas. She reunites with Natalie Nakase, the head coach of the Valkyries and former assistant with the Aces where she coached Hayes last season.
“Having coached Tiffany last season in Las Vegas, I know firsthand the impact she brings both on and off the court,” Nakase stated. She emphasized that Hayes’s versatility, competitive spirit, and scoring ability will play a crucial role in shaping the team’s identity. Nakase also praised Hayes for being a great mentor, highlighting her understanding of the demands and intricacies of elite-level competition.
Despite the excitement surrounding Hayes’s signing, the Valkyries faced challenges in signing other free agents. Owner Joe Lacob addressed the obstacles during a recent press conference while unveiling the team’s new 31,800 square foot performance center. “We have unlimited resources to make this the best place in the world, but I think it is challenging,” Lacob said. “We are a startup. We have no players that we are starting with, so I think that in itself, not to mention we’re the first expansion team since 2008, it is challenging.”
In addition to Hayes, the Valkyries have also secured commitments from Chloe Bibby from Australia, Janelle Salaun from France, and Kyara Linskens of Belgium. Earlier in the week, the franchise added Monique Billings, Julie Vanloo, and Veronica Burton—three players chosen during the expansion draft held in December.
Looking ahead, Golden State is set to hold the fifth pick in the upcoming WNBA draft scheduled for April, a strategic opportunity that could further bolster their inaugural roster.
