🎙️ Valkyries, Say Less Hosted by Vanessa Hutchinson-Szekely & Raina Mast Two former high school/D3 hoopers turned San Francisco teachers, moms, artists and entrepreneurs (we're tryin!) team up to bring you the podcast you didn’t know you needed — all about our brand-new hometown WNBA heroes
Send us Fan Mail We’ve been loving Court Queens, written by Jordan Robinson and Emma Baccellieri, so we were thrilled to meet Jordan before a Valkyries game and chitty chat with her to talk about the book, her background, and women’s basketball! This was Jordan's first game in Ballhalla! Jordan is a journalist and longtime storyteller who has covered some of the biggest moments in women’s sports. And honestly, this conversation is also a perfect example of what we love most about the wo...
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we’re talking about Aminata Gueye, the latest Valkyrie to sign an end-of-season contract, following the release of Nadia Fingall. She is our last regular roster Valkyrie to deep dive into, leaving us only with our development players left to discover: Ashton Prechtel and Miela Sowah. Goodbye, and best of everything Nadia! Thank you for joining our beloved violet squad and remember "Once a Valk, always a Valk"! In today's episode, we are digging into wha...
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, recorded from the French Alps and the Jersey Shore, we recap the Valkyries’ incredible winning streak (eight straight at the time of recording, including five consecutive road wins), talk about missing Ballhalla, announce the launch of our Court Queens book club, reflect on the viral response to our Pride Game article, and then dive into the story of one of the Valkyries’ newest—not newest—players: Justė Jocytė. Justė is a young Lithuanian guard who de...
Send us Fan Mail Season 2, Episode 5: Bonus Pop-Up Episode | Player Interviews, French Connections & Watch Party Excitement In this special bonus pop-up episode (okay, it’s really just Episode 5!), Raina and Vanessa recap an exciting stretch of Valkyries coverage that included player interviews, press conferences, and a whole lot of French-speaking basketball fun. We dive into our recent interviews conducted in French with Janelle Salaün and Carla Leite, sharing behind-the-scenes moments,...
Send us Fan Mail Valkyries, Say Less — Season 2, Episode 4 Season 2, Episode 4 is a good one. This week, we spotlight the incredible Kiah Stokes in our latest player profile. Kiah comes to the Golden State Valkyries with a long and impressive résumé, including more than a decade in the WNBA with powerhouse organizations like the New York Liberty and the Las Vegas Aces. Her arrival in Golden State makes complete sense given her strong connections to teammates, head coach Natalie Nakase and ass...
Send us Fan Mail This Is — Season 2, Episode 3 Bienvenue, Gabby Williams! Our first player profile of Season 2 is here, and we’re kicking it off with one of the most dynamic two-way players in the game: Gabby Williams. French-American, fierce on defense, and fresh off her move from the Seattle Storm, Gabby brings an impressive résumé to the Bay: WNBA success, championships and standout performances in EuroLeague, and major contributions to the France women's national basketball team. In this ...
Send us Fan Mail Season 2, Episode 2 of Valkyries, Say Less is here, and we’re recapping the incredible preseason matchup between the Golden State Valkyries and the Seattle Storm on April 25, 2026. This game was especially meaningful for us because it marked our first-ever media credentials. Tune in as we share what it was like navigating the Chase Center with full media access and stepping into the world of pre- and post-game press conferences. We got the chance to hear from Gabby Williams, ...
Send us Fan Mail Hurrah, huzzah! It’s time. It’s now! Welcome to Season 2 of “Valkyries, Say Less.” We’re launching on the very same day that WNBA training camp begins, and you can feel it… the season is here. In this episode, we’re diving into it all. Training camp energy, roster moves, and the EuroLeague championship game featuring not one but two of our incredible Golden State Valkyries players. We’re also rewinding a bit, talking NCAA championships, the draft, the expansion draft, and eve...
Send us Fan Mail After two months of pure hanging out without hitting record, we finally reunited in our glorious Bunkbed Studios for a mid post-season check-in. It felt so good to be back together. Way overdue! And...in a twist for sesason 2, we are introducing video soooo check out this episode on our new ValkyriesSayLess YouTube channel. We cover a lot in this episode, including the huge honor of the Valkyries naming Vanessa a "Keeper of the Realm", an award given to only five season ticke...
Send us Fan Mail Exciting news! We’ve teamed up with Section 415, the brand-new Bay Area sports podcast from The San Francisco Standard, to share their latest episode featuring an interview with Golden State Valkyries Head Coach Natalie Nakase. Section 415 is hosted by sports editor Kerry Crowley and offers insider interviews, sharp analysis, and fresh reporting on local teams — including the 49ers, Giants, Warriors, and of course, the Valkyries. New episodes drop every Tuesday and Friday on ...
Send us Fan Mail This episode is our last episode of this year's historical inaugural season for the Golden State Valkyries. We're gonna talk about so many things...where the players are going in the off season, the CBA negotiations, how to watch overseas games AND we're highlighting Kaitlyn Chen, our incredible rookie who was on the team, then off and then BACK ON! She sports jersey #2. Tune in to learn why she's the best. We love you, KC! 🖤💜🏀 Thank you to our inspiring WBB commu...
Send us Fan Mail This episode highlights Kaila Charles, our dynamic guard/forward, and former Maryland standout, wearing jersey #6. She joined us mid season and has definitely left a big mark on our hearts. Tune in to learn why she's the best. We love you, Kaila Charles! 🖤💜🏀 Support the show Thanks for listening to "Valkyries, Say Less"! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are our own and not affiliated with the WNBA, the Golden State Valkyries, or any official organizati...
Send us Fan Mail This episode highlights Iliana Rupert, our talented French center, rocking jersey #12, the same number her father wore. Not only has this player one a WNBA championship with the Las Vegas Aces, she also represented France at EuroBasket this past summer as well as in the Olympics in 2024 and 2020. Tune in to learn why she's the best. On t'aime Iliana Rupert! 🇫🇷🏀💜 Allez Les Violettes! Support the show Thanks for listening to "Valkyries, Say Less"! ...
Send us Fan Mail This episode highlights Cecilia Zandalasini, our incredible Italian player, sporting jersey #24. During this season she stepped away for a few games to return to Europe where she won a bronze medal in Eurobasket with her Italian team. Though she's fought some injuries this season, she was recently reactivated just in time for our last two regular season games. We love her 3 point shot and her plus/minus keeps going up! Tune in to learn why she's the best. Ti vogli...
Send us Fan Mail This episode highlights Janelle Salaün, one of the Valkyries’ French stars, sporting jersey #13. She has played on the French National Team and recently in Eurobasket. Though she is a rookie in the WNBA, she is making quite the name for herself because her game is tough! And....learn how to pronounce her last name correctly (because few are!). Tune in to learn why she's the best. On aime Janelle Salaün! 🏀🇫🇷💜 ALLEZ LES VIOLETTES! These are the headlines referen...
Send us Fan Mail This episode highlights Laeticia Amihere, the Valkyries’ dynamic forward known as The Black Queen, rocking jersey #3. A national champion with South Carolina under Dawn Staley, a 2023 WNBA first-round pick, and an Olympic medalist with Team Canada, Amihere is one of ESPN's 25 under 25 to watch this season! How about off the court? When the W is done, she’s an outspoken advocate, mentor, and role model, using her platform to empower others in Africa, Canada and the US. Tun...
Send us Fan Mail This episode highlights one of the Valkyries’ most experienced leaders: Tiffany Hayes, wearing jersey #15. A UConn champion turned WNBA All-Star, Hayes spent over a decade dominating in Atlanta, powered through Connecticut, powered Vegas off the bench, and now brings her scoring fire and veteran wisdom to the Bay. She’s a mentor in the locker room, who sets the tone with her relentless energy—on and off the court. Not only a major athlete but also a entrepreneur, have you see...
Send us Fan Mail This episode highlights one of the Valkyries’ finest players: Monique Billings, wearing jersey #25. From dominating at UCLA to making her mark in Atlanta, and now rocking black and violet in the Bay, Mo’s journey is all about playing excellent basketball and being a true renaissance woman! Tune in as we discuss why she's the best. We 💜 Monique Billings! P.S. Huge thanks to KPIX and journalist Kelsi Thorud for the tv feature about our podcast—we’re feeling the love and...
Send us Fan Mail This episode highlights one of the Valkyries’ real-deal anchors: Kayla Thornton, wearing jersey #5. She’s an incredible defender and an experienced vet. Best accomplishment this year is that she was voted to be on the 2025 All Star team! From going undrafted to grinding her way through Washington, Dallas and New York, we are thrilled that Kayla’s journey brought her to the Bay. Tune in as we discuss why she's the best. We love Kayla Thornton! 🏀🔥🖤💜 Support the show Thanks fo...
Send us Fan Mail This episode highlights the one and only, Kate Martin. She's the energetic spark plug and our glue now rocking the Golden State Valkyries jersey #20. From her 6-year run at Iowa (remember that!) to stepping up big in her second WNBA season, Kate’s journey is one of infectious positivity and how she's quickly becoming a fan favorite of this Valkyries squad. Tune in as we discuss why she's the best. We 💜 Kate Money Martin!⚡🏀 🏳️🌈 Support the show Thanks for listening to...
Send us Fan Mail This episode highlights Veronica Burton, the clutch playmaker now rocking the Golden State Valkyries jersey #22. From Northwestern stardom to her seasons with Dallas and Connecticut, Veronica shows us how her strength (mental, physical and emotional)! We talk about her sources of inspiration and how she's an incredible contribution to this team. Tune in as we discuss why she's the best. We love Veronica Burton! 💜🔒🏀 Support the show Thanks for listening to "Valkyries, ...
Send us Fan Mail This episode highlights Temi Fagbenle—the seasoned vet, Olympic baller, and newest powerhouse joining the Golden State Valkyries wearing jersey #14. From London roots to Harvard halls to WNBA locker rooms (most recently with the Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark), Temi’s story is so inspiring. Tune in as we discuss why she's the best. We love Temi! 💜✌️🏀 Support the show Thanks for listening to "Valkyries, Say Less"! The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are our...
Send us Fan Mail This episode highlights Carla Leite—the fearless 19-year-old guard from France who’s now suiting up for the Golden State Valkyries wearing jersey #0. From dominating the court in Lyon to making her WNBA debut in the Bay, Carla a big Bay Area punch and we’re obsessed with the Leite show. Tune in to learn why she's the best. On aime Carla Leite! 🏀⚡🇫🇷 ALLEZ LES VIOLETTES! Support the show Thanks for listening to "Valkyries, Say Less"! The views and opinions expre...
Send us Fan Mail This episode highlights the Coach Natalie Nakase—head coach for the Golden State Valkyries and our new personal hero. We get into her journey from playing ball at UCLA to coaching overseas to breaking barriers in the NBA and now helping launch the Valkyries into greatness. We are so impressed by how she and her staff have recruited these players, and the team culture they are building. No one in the history of the W has done what she's been able to do this year. Tune in...
Send us Fan Mail Episode 1: “Meet the Valkyries (and Us)” In our debut episode, we introduce ourselves—two former hoopers turned SF educators, moms, artists and entrepreneurs—and share why we’re all in on the new WNBA team in town: the Golden State Valkyries. We officially bleed lavender now. Whether you’re a die-hard basketball fan, a curious newcomer, or just here for community vibes and solid recs, you belong in this space. We’ll break down who the Valkyries are, why they matter, and what ...
About Valkyries, Say Less
🎙️ Valkyries, Say Less Hosted by Vanessa Hutchinson-Szekely & Raina Mast Two former high school/D3 hoopers turned San Francisco teachers, moms, artists and entrepreneurs (we're tryin!) team up to bring you the podcast you didn’t know you needed — all about our brand-new hometown WNBA heroes
Valkyries, Say Less is a English sport podcast from Vanessa & Raina. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.
The Melo app keeps playing with the screen off, works in the car and on your watch, wakes you to your station, and browses the whole catalogue offline. Free, no ads, no account.
