When we dive into the heart of what made playing for the Valkyries truly remarkable, it’s clear that they struck gold during the expansion draft, securing standout players like Veronica Burton, Kayla Thornton, Cecilia Zandalasini, Carla Leite, Temi Fagbenie, Iliana Rupert, and Monique Billings. However, the journey in free agency didn’t mirror that success entirely. The talented rookie Janelle Salaün emerged as a significant contributor, while the much-anticipated signing of Tiffany Hayes stood out as the Valkyries’ most noteworthy acquisition. Hayes was a unique veteran willing to embrace the challenge of joining an expansion team, highlighting her commitment and bravery.
Despite battling injuries that limited her to just 26 games, Hayes’ presence proved invaluable both on and off the court. When she did play, she brought vital scoring and shot creation, and beyond her athletic contributions, her leadership and connection to the local community were equally crucial. This was poignantly illustrated when she appeared on "Breathe Through It" with Monique Billings, where she beautifully articulated what made the Valkyries’ inaugural season so special: the enthusiastic support from a fanbase hungry for a WNBA team.
Expressing her excitement about joining the Valkyries, Hayes shared, "We get to come into the city, bring them something that they’ve been wanting for a long time: a women’s basketball team. And we get to give them that. I’m just grateful to be able to get out here. I’m learning about people already, learning about the community. I’m trying to tap into the community, figuring out what I can give to them that they’ve been missing. So, I think that’s one of the best things I get to bring to the city playing with the Valkyries." Furthermore, she mentioned plans to organize basketball camps in the region that would incorporate mental health awareness and financial literacy classes, showcasing her commitment to community enrichment.
The Valkyries’ inaugural season thrived largely due to their ability to forge immediate connections with the San Francisco community. Remarkably, before any game was played at the Chase Center, they became the first WNBA team to sell 10,000 season tickets by May. Throughout the season, every home game sold out, making them leaders in league attendance. Ballhalla quickly transformed into one of the most electrifying venues in the WNBA, illustrating the overwhelming enthusiasm from local fans eager to support their new team.
Fans showed immense support for emerging talents who were still proving themselves in the league, such as Kaitlyn Chen, Janelle Salaün, Laeticia Amihere, and Carla Leite. Coupled with stellar branding and marketing strategies—from team colors to the reveal of their mascot, Violet the Raven—the Valkyries effectively solidified a strong bond between themselves and their supporters through player engagement in community activities.
Looking ahead, there is speculation regarding whether Tiffany Hayes will return to the Valkyries for another season. Like all teams in the league, the Valkyries face potential changes as they prepare for the next season. The upcoming expansion draft for the Tempo and Fire poses a threat to the Valkyries’ roster depth, and it’s no secret that the team is focused on championship aspirations, which may lead to significant roster upgrades.
However, the status of Tiffany Hayes remains uncertain. Now at 36 years old and having previously retired, along with her limited playtime this season, questions arise about her future with the team. Nevertheless, when on the court, Hayes demonstrated her talent by contributing points, rebounds, and playmaking. Holding onto her could be beneficial for the front office as they aim to craft a team capable of advancing beyond the first round of the playoffs. Moreover, Hayes seems content with her experience on the team, further enhancing the chances of her returning for another season.
