Valkyries Strike Gold: Inside the Expansion Draft that's Shaking Up the WNBA

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Once general manager Ohemaa Nyanin and her Golden State Valkyries staff had decided who to pick in the WNBA expansion draft, the first challenge became reaching each player with the news before she heard it anywhere else. And the team was racing against time to get the players on the phone and share the excitement that had been building for months.

As it turned out, it was worth it. When the Golden State Valkyries took 11 players in the expansion draft, including Kate Martin, the team didn't just build a roster — they formed a tight-knit community that's primed to shake up the WNBA.

Nyanin and her team had been working tirelessly, scouring the league for the best and the brightest. It wasn't just about finding talented players; it was about finding people who shared their vision. They needed individuals with the grit and determination to make an impact, and that's exactly what they found in Martin and her new teammates.

According to sources close to the team, the decision-making process was grueling. Nyanin and her staff spent countless hours poring over stats, watching game footage, and conducting interviews. They knew they couldn't get it wrong; the players they chose would be the face of the franchise for years to come.

Despite the pressure, the staff remained confident in their selections. They knew they'd done their due diligence and that their roster had what it took to compete at the highest level. As the players were reached with the news, that confidence only grew.

In one memorable phone call, a visibly emotional Martin thanked Nyanin for believing in her. It was moments like these that made all the hard work worth it. The Golden State Valkyries weren't just assembling a team — they were changing lives.

As the news continued to spread, social media was flooded with congratulations messages for the newly minted Valkyries. Fans began speculating about potential lineups and the impact Martin would make as one of the team leaders. It was clear: this team was going to be special.

And Nyanin knew it too. As she watched her players take to social media to share their excitement, she couldn't help but smile. This expansion draft was just the beginning. She and her staff had something special on their hands, and the WNBA was about to take notice.

The Golden State Valkyries are more than just a new team; they're a force to be reckoned with. With Martin and the 10 other players who joined the team, the game just got a whole lot more interesting.