**Golden State Valkyries Coach Natalie Nakase to Wear Heart Monitor After Collapsing During Playoff Game**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/natalie-nakase-100526-1-8bf4e0edc63d477ea47a0ae656778bbe.jpg)
The Golden State Valkyries’ head coach, Natalie Nakase, has announced that she will wear a heart monitor following her collapse on the sidelines during a tense playoff match. The incident occurred on Friday, 2 October 2026, while Nakase was observing the Valkyries’ game against the Dallas Wings in the first round of the WNBA playoffs. After a brief but alarming episode, Nakase referred to the incident as a “wake-up call.”
Speaking to the media after the Valkyries’ subsequent victory over the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday, 4 October, the 46-year-old coach shared insights into her condition and well-being. Confirming her decision to wear a heart monitor, Nakase emphasised the importance of being proactive about her health. She had consulted medical professionals, who reassured her that all appeared to be well following her collapse.
In her candid remarks, Nakase attributed her fainting incident to “a little exhaustion” but mentioned that she felt much better after having some food and water. “It definitely was like a wake-up call for me,” she commented, adding that she was grateful for the concern shown by fans and fellow staff members. “Thank you to everyone for your concerns and everything. I’m good,” she elaborated.
The gravity of Nakase’s situation is underscored by her personal history, particularly the loss of her father, Shigeo Gary Nakase, who passed away at the age of 78 in 2021. Recalling her father’s work ethic during the press conference, Nakase expressed a desire to learn from his example and to take a more proactive approach to her own health. “He was an extremely hard-working man. I follow in his footsteps and I thrive in that,” she stated.
In a poignant moment, Nakase pledged to embody a philosophy of being informed and taking preventative measures. “I’m going to do what my dad didn’t do — and may he rest in peace — I’m gonna be proactive,” she expressed. Nakase noted that she valued her job immensely but acknowledged that her passion sometimes led to overexertion. “I just want to make sure I’m being smart,” she remarked, underscoring her commitment to a balanced approach to coaching.
The unsettling incident has not diminished Nakase’s resolve or commitment to her team. Video footage from the playoff game showed her collapsing while communicating with a referee, prompting immediate attention from assistant coaches and medical staff who guided her to a bench nearby. Despite the harrowing moment, Nakase exhibited remarkable resilience by continuing to lead her team from the sidelines during the remainder of the match.
The Valkyries are now preparing to face the Aces once more in Game 2, scheduled for Wednesday, 7 October. Nakase’s strength and leadership will be pivotal as the team aims to secure their progression in the playoffs.
As the season continues, the health and safety of coaches and players alike remain a priority, with Nakase setting an example of awareness surrounding physical well-being in a high-pressure sport. Her experience serves as a reminder of the demands placed on those in coaching roles and the importance of taking necessary precautions to ensure a long and healthy career in athletics.
In conclusion, Natalie Nakase’s proactive measures and candid approach to her health following her collapse is a commendable shift toward greater awareness in the sporting world. Her commitment to her own well-being, and the well-being of those around her, highlights a growing prioritisation of health in competitive sports, reassuring fans and colleagues alike that she remains a force to be reckoned with on the court.