September 8, 2025 • 15 mins
Today, Khristina is joined by Golden State Valkyrie point guard Veronica Burton to reflect on the team’s remarkable inaugural season. Veronica opens up about her journey and her emergence as a leading contender for the WNBA's Most Improved Player award. She also dives into the Valkyrie's team chemistry, the overwhelming support from the Bay Area community, and how her time playing in Australia helped shape her game and mindset.
Want more women’s basketball scoop? Follow the show on Instagram @ICYMIwithKW and X @ICYMIwithKW and for more on Khristina, follow her on Instagram @khristinawilliams
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CREDITS
Executive Producers:
Nikki Ettore
Jessie Katz
Tyler Klang
Jonathan Strickland
Producer:
Buffy Gorrilla
Producer & Editor:
Tari Harrison
Host:
Khristina Williams
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
In Case You Missed It with Christina Williams is an
iHeart Women's Sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports
and Entertainment. Welcome to another episode of In Case You
Missed It with Christina Williams. Here on iHeart Women's Sports,
and on today's show, we're joined by Golden State Valkyries
(00:22):
Point guard for Veronica Burton. Back in December, she was
selected by a team through the expansion draft, and now
less than a year later, the Golden State Valkyries have
clinched a spot in the postseason and it's an all
rural year. But also Veronica is a front runner for
the Most Improved Award this season in the WNBA. So
(00:42):
I'm excited to get the chat with Veronica, get to
know her a little bit more, and see how this
year has been so successful for the Golden State Valkyries. So,
without further ado, please welcome Veronica Burton to the show.
Welcome to the show.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
Thank you, Thank you, Christina, thanks for having me.
Speaker 1 (00:57):
So I know that the last twenty four hours have
been sort of a whirlwind for you and your teammates.
You all have made history being the first expansion team
in w NBA history. To clinch a playoff spot and
it's an orbital season. What's the feelings been like for
you in the last twenty four hours.
Speaker 2 (01:17):
Definitely kind of, you know, a lot of mixed feelings.
Speaker 3 (01:19):
It's definitely it is a big accomplishment and just something
that we're really proud of as a team. This was
one of our goals and to be here just especially
just kind of throughout the ups and downs of this season,
a lot of different injuries and roster swaps and lineup changes.
Speaker 2 (01:34):
And everything like that. So to be here, I think it's.
Speaker 3 (01:37):
One we definitely don't take for granted and we're grateful for,
but we also know, you know, that's just one stop
along the way and we're hoping to, you know, make
a run.
Speaker 1 (01:46):
I see that the Bay has shown up really big
for this team. I had got a glimpse in February
during an NBA All Star with the presence of how
that community shows up for sports, but especially for women's basketball.
What's it been like being in the Bay and having
the community come around you all and support this team.
Speaker 2 (02:03):
It's been surreal, honestly.
Speaker 3 (02:04):
I think similarly, I was able to see from Afar
like obviously as the ticket sales were coming in and
all the social media and everything. I was seeing the
buzz around it, but I didn't know what to expect necessarily,
but to see it in full force, even from you know,
Game one here at Chase Center, it's been incredible and
it's only gotten better. And I think it's just the
(02:25):
start for us and for the Valkyries organization, but it's
just made the entire experience like that much better and
we're just grateful to be doing it alongside some incredible fans.
Speaker 1 (02:36):
You were selected by the Valkyries and the expansions wrap
in December, But you know, throughout your career you've sort
of been like this journey woman, but in this chapter
of your life, you sort of stepped into a bigger role,
I want to say, and you've been able to handle
that really well. What do you remember about hearing your
name and the expansions wrapped, and how does it feel
(02:57):
to be chosen by this team and starting to build
something from scratch essentially?
Speaker 2 (03:02):
I remember I had such a mix of emotions.
Speaker 3 (03:05):
I was over in Australia, so I was already pretty
far from home, and then just didn't really know which
way it was going to go and then to hear
my name get called, or to know that I was
going to be a Alkyria.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
I was just I was The main emotion was excitement.
Speaker 3 (03:19):
I couldn't have asked for a better situation, be coming
into big opportunity obviously was available, and to have us
be like handpicked, I think that was something that I
really was grateful for and I appreciate it above because
I knew that, you know, the coaching staff and the
front office saw value in me and wanted me there.
And I think that gave me a level of reassurance
(03:40):
that I didn't always have in the league. And so
definitely some nerves too, you know, another big change. I
wasn't super comfortable with change, and then I was on
my third team in like three years, So I was
the level of just maybe a little bit of doubt,
a little bit of nerves, but.
Speaker 2 (03:57):
Definitely I was excited for the opportunity.
Speaker 1 (04:00):
He talks about the feeling of being unsure when you
when you were experiencing, you know, this change in your life.
But for a lot of players, you know, expansion teams
can be a reset. But at some point, I feel
like this has been sort of something that was unlocked
for you in this chapter. What is different about being
here versus some of your previous stops.
Speaker 3 (04:22):
Yeah, I definitely think, you know one, as you continue
to gain experience in this league, it does slow down
a little bit for you and you know what your
strengths and your weaknesses are and you kind of grow
in that. And even being able to play in Australia,
I do think that helped me just kind of gain
professional experience and more confidence.
Speaker 2 (04:40):
And I definitely did grow my game there.
Speaker 3 (04:43):
But then I do think a level of belief and
confidence instilled in me, my coaches and teammates really just
from the jump like built me up. And we have
such a selfless team and a team that you know
isn't necessarily built on a superstar or whatever, but or
no egos. So we just like have so much fun
(05:03):
playing together and have so much fun playing the game.
And I think that's an environment where anyone would flourish.
But that's an environment that I really enjoy and typically
am successful in, and so I think that's really helped
me and propelled me honestly in my career.
Speaker 2 (05:19):
And not to say that my other stops weren't like that.
Speaker 3 (05:23):
I just think it is from a culture standpoint, it
has been a perfect fit for me.
Speaker 1 (05:28):
Yeah, and you were able to win in the WNBL
in Australia and you talk about how that made you
a better player. You're actually the only Valkyrie players start
every single game this season. How did that consistency change
the way you see yourself as a leader on the floor.
Speaker 2 (05:43):
Yeah, that was huge for me.
Speaker 3 (05:45):
One just the competitiveness that is in the WNBL and
the physicality, like it is genuinely a very difficult league
and I learned that fast, but also the style of
play I had to coach. Coach Kennedy really again believed
in me and invested in me. And I told him
even before signing, like I want to help win. I
(06:06):
want to I want to do this, but I also
want to get better. I think that was a big
goal of mine to go overseas, so just providing the resources.
He did so many one on one workouts with me.
I wanted to become a better shooter, especially off the dribble,
and that was something that I worked on religiously with him,
and so being able to implement that end game situations
over there while I had the opportunity and a longer
(06:27):
leash was big for my confidence, was big for my
mental and my physical I think I put on a
lot of muscle over there, and they're really strong in Australia,
so that was that was big for me as well.
Speaker 2 (06:39):
And then just carrying it over.
Speaker 3 (06:40):
Obviously any professional experience is helpful, and then winning a
championship alongside some veterans out there, some really good basketball players.
Sammy would Coom was an incredible player to play alongside,
So I do think it really helped my game.
Speaker 1 (07:05):
Most teams, in terms of the chemistry, it feel like
it takes time to click, but this team has been
able to adapt and a trust through adversity. We talked
about the roster changes a little bit earlier in the
injuries that you guys have had this season. Was there
ever a moment during the season where you felt like
everything started to click for this team where you felt
like it was more than just we're just trying to
(07:27):
survive and get to the playoffs. It's just like, no,
this is a solid group.
Speaker 2 (07:30):
And yeah, honestly, early on, I really do believe that.
Speaker 3 (07:34):
Obviously, even over the course of the season, we did
have some change ups, but every single person that has
put on a Valkyri's uniform has shelled with us and
the culture that we built here from training camp. There
was a level of joy that we were playing with
and the joy that we came in to work with
every single day that honestly was refreshing to be a
(07:55):
part of. And I think most of us, like probably
everyone on the team has has been in a position
where you know, nothing is guaranteed in this league and
you really do have to show up every day and
work for it. And so I think that translates to
the court and how we prepare, how we go about things,
and how we play the game. And so even that
(08:17):
first LA game, you know, we lost at home and
the home opener, but you could tell like we can compete,
we will compete, and like we just genuinely loved each
other off the court, and it was going to continue
to show up on the court. So really early in
the season and then with different obstacles. You know, obviously
losing KT is a major blow, but then to just
(08:37):
see different people step up every single game, like we
realized just how how strong of a team we are.
Speaker 1 (08:43):
What would you say is Coach Natalie's philosophy for this
group I know that sometimes in the press she tells
us like the job's not fitas yet, we shouldn't be celebrating,
but a body permain in the moment, knowing what the
goal is ahead.
Speaker 3 (08:56):
Coach now is one of the most like disciplined, focused
people I've ever met or ever worked with. And so
I think when you have someone at the top just
so extra locked in, like in every asset of the game,
it translates and it trickles down, and so I think
sometimes we have to remind her to you know, enjoy
it and like that what you're doing is dope. And
(09:18):
she's again one of the most humble people too, so
she she never wants to take any credit for anything,
and so I think that's where we all balance each
other really well, is she keeps us humble and we
celebrate her at the same time. And so but we know,
you know, we know that it's not finished. This isn't
you know, it was a goal, but this isn't the
goal just to make playoffs. So we know that it's
(09:40):
just the first step, and so we we we're grateful
for it. We sit in it for a little bit bit,
but now now we move on and just prepare.
Speaker 2 (09:48):
For what's to come.
Speaker 1 (09:49):
Maybe I want to talk about that thirty point game
against the Mystics. It was it was one of your
biggest games. What's something that stands out to you in
terms of the details of that game that you'll know
never forget what clicks for you.
Speaker 3 (10:03):
Yeah, obviously it helps, you know once you kind of
just get in that rhythm, that flow, Like especially shooting
from the outside. I think when I'm when I've hit
a couple, my confidence is high. I'm I'm shooting off
the dribble or shooting catching shoot threes. I think my
teammates did a really good job of finding me and
Washington had gone a little bit of zone, and so just.
Speaker 2 (10:24):
How can we dissect a zone?
Speaker 3 (10:25):
I think once you break a zone, it's like it
becomes really easy and really comfortable. And I think that's
kind of what happened. It stumped us for a little
bit in the beginning, and then we navigated it and
I was hot that game. Man, I don't know the
last time I've made six threes in a game, So
obviously that always helps. But just being aggressive and like
once I knew that I was hot, like taking the
(10:47):
shots that maybe you know, if it's early in the
shot clock, I would get off the ball or whatever.
Speaker 2 (10:51):
But with the with that game, like, I knew that
it was going to go in, so I was polling on.
Speaker 1 (10:56):
It's not lost on me that you're in conversations this
season as a front for the most improved Player. When
you think about, you know, hearing your name in those conversations,
what do you think about? What's what's in your mind?
Speaker 2 (11:10):
Just gratitude.
Speaker 3 (11:11):
Honestly, I'm not someone that gets very caught up on awards.
You know, whatever happens, whatever results that may end up being.
I think it's more so just the process of being
here right now and just getting to hoop like freely
confidently alongside some incredible people is what I'm grateful for.
So obviously it's a blessing to even be mentioned in
(11:33):
those you know, it's a testament to the growth that
I've been able to see this year. But it just
reminds me of the low moments, honestly, and how I
was able to come out of them, and how I
was able to you know, override it and just hopefully
like spread that. I think this league can be really
difficult and people get cut all the time.
Speaker 2 (11:52):
People get waved all the time.
Speaker 3 (11:53):
And I know that the doubt that can creep in
when that does happen.
Speaker 2 (11:57):
But just reminding people like.
Speaker 3 (11:59):
All you need is is one coach, is one team
that believes in you, that finds value in you, and
you know, if you're prepared like it'll come.
Speaker 1 (12:07):
What would you say, is the thing that's anchoring you
through you know this momento that's car carrying you this season?
Speaker 2 (12:14):
Oh my faith? For sure.
Speaker 3 (12:16):
I think that's the thing that anchors me and everything
and who I am and why I play. I think
it's really allowed me to feel a piece in my
game and in my performances because I know that it's just.
Speaker 2 (12:28):
Like this is a game.
Speaker 3 (12:29):
I love it, I'm passionate about it, and I put
my all into it. But how I play is not
who I am, whatever the game, whatever the award, whatever.
Speaker 2 (12:36):
It may be or lack thereof.
Speaker 3 (12:38):
I think just my faith and who I am in
Christ is the most important thing to me and will
remain that. And so that's allowed me to just feel
a piece that that's unexplainable.
Speaker 1 (12:48):
Honestly, this team and what you all are doing is
definitely going down in the history books and setting the
blueprint really for what expansion teams can look like in
this first year. When you think about that sentence, years
from now, what do you think you'll feel?
Speaker 2 (13:04):
It's crazy.
Speaker 3 (13:04):
I think it's gonna go by fast like I feel like,
and it's like it's gonna be a few years from
now pretty soon. Ironically, I think we'll feel a level of,
you know, joy and pride like this was not easy. Again,
I don't want to act like a world we're here
like all done and finished and the job is done
like no, but just a love of pride and connectedness
(13:28):
to the team that we had, the staff that we
have here because we did it together night in and
night out, like it was not one single person, it
wasn't even a few people, like it was genuinely all
of us. So I think we'll always kind of have
that joy and pride for each other and with each other.
Speaker 1 (13:44):
Before you get out of here, I gotta know your thoughts.
Because Violet the bass guyers take the world BLUs storm.
Speaker 2 (13:53):
What's it they like to have?
Speaker 1 (13:54):
I mean, my mascot introduced to the w and just
the energy Violet bringings Thereina.
Speaker 2 (14:01):
Vye is awesome. I think it's dope.
Speaker 3 (14:03):
Like obviously we didn't know when a mascot would be
announced or when we would meet By, but I think
it just adds the element that the craziness, the excitement
at Balhalla, like just to see By engage with fans
and bring, you know, another element to who we are
has been really exciting to see and just fun, Like
(14:24):
people have fun at Valkyries games, and Violet brings a
new level of energy and she's fun, and so it's
just been it's been great.
Speaker 1 (14:32):
As we look towards the w NBA postseason, Why should
fans be excited about the Valkyries, Oh, so many reasons.
Speaker 2 (14:40):
I think it's just like how we play the game.
Speaker 3 (14:44):
We play with a level of freedom and a level
of joy that is refreshing here in this league, is
refreshing in professional basketball.
Speaker 2 (14:51):
And I think it's cool when you don't know.
Speaker 3 (14:53):
Who it's gonna be, you know, obviously, like we've gotten
into a rhythm, but on any given night, it can
be any one of us. I think there's something to
be said about that is just how we play such
team oriented basketball, and you.
Speaker 2 (15:07):
Know, who doesn't love a good underdog story.
Speaker 3 (15:09):
I think it's dope to see us how we've come
throughout the course of the season, so I think they
should support it well.
Speaker 1 (15:16):
We'll certainly keep eyes on all things Valkyries for the
end of the regular season going into the postseason, and
best of luck through us the way, Veronica, thank you
for joining us this week on In Case You missed
It with Christina Williams here on Iheartwomen's Sports.
Speaker 2 (15:30):
Of course, Thank you, Christina, I appreciate it.
Speaker 1 (15:34):
In Case you missed It with Christina Williams is an
iHeart Women's sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports
and Entertainment. You can find us on the iHeartRadio app,
Apple podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.
In Case You Missed It with Christina Williams is an
iHeart Women's Sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports
and Entertainment. Welcome to another episode of In Case You
Missed It with Christina Williams. Here on iHeart Women's Sports,
and on today's show, we're joined by Golden State Valkyries
(00:22):
Point guard for Veronica Burton. Back in December, she was
selected by a team through the expansion draft, and now
less than a year later, the Golden State Valkyries have
clinched a spot in the postseason and it's an all
rural year. But also Veronica is a front runner for
the Most Improved Award this season in the WNBA. So
(00:42):
I'm excited to get the chat with Veronica, get to
know her a little bit more, and see how this
year has been so successful for the Golden State Valkyries. So,
without further ado, please welcome Veronica Burton to the show.
Welcome to the show.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
Thank you, Thank you, Christina, thanks for having me.
Speaker 1 (00:57):
So I know that the last twenty four hours have
been sort of a whirlwind for you and your teammates.
You all have made history being the first expansion team
in w NBA history. To clinch a playoff spot and
it's an orbital season. What's the feelings been like for
you in the last twenty four hours.
Speaker 2 (01:17):
Definitely kind of, you know, a lot of mixed feelings.
Speaker 3 (01:19):
It's definitely it is a big accomplishment and just something
that we're really proud of as a team. This was
one of our goals and to be here just especially
just kind of throughout the ups and downs of this season,
a lot of different injuries and roster swaps and lineup changes.
Speaker 2 (01:34):
And everything like that. So to be here, I think it's.
Speaker 3 (01:37):
One we definitely don't take for granted and we're grateful for,
but we also know, you know, that's just one stop
along the way and we're hoping to, you know, make
a run.
Speaker 1 (01:46):
I see that the Bay has shown up really big
for this team. I had got a glimpse in February
during an NBA All Star with the presence of how
that community shows up for sports, but especially for women's basketball.
What's it been like being in the Bay and having
the community come around you all and support this team.
Speaker 2 (02:03):
It's been surreal, honestly.
Speaker 3 (02:04):
I think similarly, I was able to see from Afar
like obviously as the ticket sales were coming in and
all the social media and everything. I was seeing the
buzz around it, but I didn't know what to expect necessarily,
but to see it in full force, even from you know,
Game one here at Chase Center, it's been incredible and
it's only gotten better. And I think it's just the
(02:25):
start for us and for the Valkyries organization, but it's
just made the entire experience like that much better and
we're just grateful to be doing it alongside some incredible fans.
Speaker 1 (02:36):
You were selected by the Valkyries and the expansions wrap
in December, But you know, throughout your career you've sort
of been like this journey woman, but in this chapter
of your life, you sort of stepped into a bigger role,
I want to say, and you've been able to handle
that really well. What do you remember about hearing your
name and the expansions wrapped, and how does it feel
(02:57):
to be chosen by this team and starting to build
something from scratch essentially?
Speaker 2 (03:02):
I remember I had such a mix of emotions.
Speaker 3 (03:05):
I was over in Australia, so I was already pretty
far from home, and then just didn't really know which
way it was going to go and then to hear
my name get called, or to know that I was
going to be a Alkyria.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
I was just I was The main emotion was excitement.
Speaker 3 (03:19):
I couldn't have asked for a better situation, be coming
into big opportunity obviously was available, and to have us
be like handpicked, I think that was something that I
really was grateful for and I appreciate it above because
I knew that, you know, the coaching staff and the
front office saw value in me and wanted me there.
And I think that gave me a level of reassurance
(03:40):
that I didn't always have in the league. And so
definitely some nerves too, you know, another big change. I
wasn't super comfortable with change, and then I was on
my third team in like three years, So I was
the level of just maybe a little bit of doubt,
a little bit of nerves, but.
Speaker 2 (03:57):
Definitely I was excited for the opportunity.
Speaker 1 (04:00):
He talks about the feeling of being unsure when you
when you were experiencing, you know, this change in your life.
But for a lot of players, you know, expansion teams
can be a reset. But at some point, I feel
like this has been sort of something that was unlocked
for you in this chapter. What is different about being
here versus some of your previous stops.
Speaker 3 (04:22):
Yeah, I definitely think, you know one, as you continue
to gain experience in this league, it does slow down
a little bit for you and you know what your
strengths and your weaknesses are and you kind of grow
in that. And even being able to play in Australia,
I do think that helped me just kind of gain
professional experience and more confidence.
Speaker 2 (04:40):
And I definitely did grow my game there.
Speaker 3 (04:43):
But then I do think a level of belief and
confidence instilled in me, my coaches and teammates really just
from the jump like built me up. And we have
such a selfless team and a team that you know
isn't necessarily built on a superstar or whatever, but or
no egos. So we just like have so much fun
(05:03):
playing together and have so much fun playing the game.
And I think that's an environment where anyone would flourish.
But that's an environment that I really enjoy and typically
am successful in, and so I think that's really helped
me and propelled me honestly in my career.
Speaker 2 (05:19):
And not to say that my other stops weren't like that.
Speaker 3 (05:23):
I just think it is from a culture standpoint, it
has been a perfect fit for me.
Speaker 1 (05:28):
Yeah, and you were able to win in the WNBL
in Australia and you talk about how that made you
a better player. You're actually the only Valkyrie players start
every single game this season. How did that consistency change
the way you see yourself as a leader on the floor.
Speaker 2 (05:43):
Yeah, that was huge for me.
Speaker 3 (05:45):
One just the competitiveness that is in the WNBL and
the physicality, like it is genuinely a very difficult league
and I learned that fast, but also the style of
play I had to coach. Coach Kennedy really again believed
in me and invested in me. And I told him
even before signing, like I want to help win. I
(06:06):
want to I want to do this, but I also
want to get better. I think that was a big
goal of mine to go overseas, so just providing the resources.
He did so many one on one workouts with me.
I wanted to become a better shooter, especially off the dribble,
and that was something that I worked on religiously with him,
and so being able to implement that end game situations
over there while I had the opportunity and a longer
(06:27):
leash was big for my confidence, was big for my
mental and my physical I think I put on a
lot of muscle over there, and they're really strong in Australia,
so that was that was big for me as well.
Speaker 2 (06:39):
And then just carrying it over.
Speaker 3 (06:40):
Obviously any professional experience is helpful, and then winning a
championship alongside some veterans out there, some really good basketball players.
Sammy would Coom was an incredible player to play alongside,
So I do think it really helped my game.
Speaker 1 (07:05):
Most teams, in terms of the chemistry, it feel like
it takes time to click, but this team has been
able to adapt and a trust through adversity. We talked
about the roster changes a little bit earlier in the
injuries that you guys have had this season. Was there
ever a moment during the season where you felt like
everything started to click for this team where you felt
like it was more than just we're just trying to
(07:27):
survive and get to the playoffs. It's just like, no,
this is a solid group.
Speaker 2 (07:30):
And yeah, honestly, early on, I really do believe that.
Speaker 3 (07:34):
Obviously, even over the course of the season, we did
have some change ups, but every single person that has
put on a Valkyri's uniform has shelled with us and
the culture that we built here from training camp. There
was a level of joy that we were playing with
and the joy that we came in to work with
every single day that honestly was refreshing to be a
(07:55):
part of. And I think most of us, like probably
everyone on the team has has been in a position
where you know, nothing is guaranteed in this league and
you really do have to show up every day and
work for it. And so I think that translates to
the court and how we prepare, how we go about things,
and how we play the game. And so even that
(08:17):
first LA game, you know, we lost at home and
the home opener, but you could tell like we can compete,
we will compete, and like we just genuinely loved each
other off the court, and it was going to continue
to show up on the court. So really early in
the season and then with different obstacles. You know, obviously
losing KT is a major blow, but then to just
(08:37):
see different people step up every single game, like we
realized just how how strong of a team we are.
Speaker 1 (08:43):
What would you say is Coach Natalie's philosophy for this
group I know that sometimes in the press she tells
us like the job's not fitas yet, we shouldn't be celebrating,
but a body permain in the moment, knowing what the
goal is ahead.
Speaker 3 (08:56):
Coach now is one of the most like disciplined, focused
people I've ever met or ever worked with. And so
I think when you have someone at the top just
so extra locked in, like in every asset of the game,
it translates and it trickles down, and so I think
sometimes we have to remind her to you know, enjoy
it and like that what you're doing is dope. And
(09:18):
she's again one of the most humble people too, so
she she never wants to take any credit for anything,
and so I think that's where we all balance each
other really well, is she keeps us humble and we
celebrate her at the same time. And so but we know,
you know, we know that it's not finished. This isn't
you know, it was a goal, but this isn't the
goal just to make playoffs. So we know that it's
(09:40):
just the first step, and so we we we're grateful
for it. We sit in it for a little bit bit,
but now now we move on and just prepare.
Speaker 2 (09:48):
For what's to come.
Speaker 1 (09:49):
Maybe I want to talk about that thirty point game
against the Mystics. It was it was one of your
biggest games. What's something that stands out to you in
terms of the details of that game that you'll know
never forget what clicks for you.
Speaker 3 (10:03):
Yeah, obviously it helps, you know once you kind of
just get in that rhythm, that flow, Like especially shooting
from the outside. I think when I'm when I've hit
a couple, my confidence is high. I'm I'm shooting off
the dribble or shooting catching shoot threes. I think my
teammates did a really good job of finding me and
Washington had gone a little bit of zone, and so just.
Speaker 2 (10:24):
How can we dissect a zone?
Speaker 3 (10:25):
I think once you break a zone, it's like it
becomes really easy and really comfortable. And I think that's
kind of what happened. It stumped us for a little
bit in the beginning, and then we navigated it and
I was hot that game. Man, I don't know the
last time I've made six threes in a game, So
obviously that always helps. But just being aggressive and like
once I knew that I was hot, like taking the
(10:47):
shots that maybe you know, if it's early in the
shot clock, I would get off the ball or whatever.
Speaker 2 (10:51):
But with the with that game, like, I knew that
it was going to go in, so I was polling on.
Speaker 1 (10:56):
It's not lost on me that you're in conversations this
season as a front for the most improved Player. When
you think about, you know, hearing your name in those conversations,
what do you think about? What's what's in your mind?
Speaker 2 (11:10):
Just gratitude.
Speaker 3 (11:11):
Honestly, I'm not someone that gets very caught up on awards.
You know, whatever happens, whatever results that may end up being.
I think it's more so just the process of being
here right now and just getting to hoop like freely
confidently alongside some incredible people is what I'm grateful for.
So obviously it's a blessing to even be mentioned in
(11:33):
those you know, it's a testament to the growth that
I've been able to see this year. But it just
reminds me of the low moments, honestly, and how I
was able to come out of them, and how I
was able to you know, override it and just hopefully
like spread that. I think this league can be really
difficult and people get cut all the time.
Speaker 2 (11:52):
People get waved all the time.
Speaker 3 (11:53):
And I know that the doubt that can creep in
when that does happen.
Speaker 2 (11:57):
But just reminding people like.
Speaker 3 (11:59):
All you need is is one coach, is one team
that believes in you, that finds value in you, and
you know, if you're prepared like it'll come.
Speaker 1 (12:07):
What would you say, is the thing that's anchoring you
through you know this momento that's car carrying you this season?
Speaker 2 (12:14):
Oh my faith? For sure.
Speaker 3 (12:16):
I think that's the thing that anchors me and everything
and who I am and why I play. I think
it's really allowed me to feel a piece in my
game and in my performances because I know that it's just.
Speaker 2 (12:28):
Like this is a game.
Speaker 3 (12:29):
I love it, I'm passionate about it, and I put
my all into it. But how I play is not
who I am, whatever the game, whatever the award, whatever.
Speaker 2 (12:36):
It may be or lack thereof.
Speaker 3 (12:38):
I think just my faith and who I am in
Christ is the most important thing to me and will
remain that. And so that's allowed me to just feel
a piece that that's unexplainable.
Speaker 1 (12:48):
Honestly, this team and what you all are doing is
definitely going down in the history books and setting the
blueprint really for what expansion teams can look like in
this first year. When you think about that sentence, years
from now, what do you think you'll feel?
Speaker 2 (13:04):
It's crazy.
Speaker 3 (13:04):
I think it's gonna go by fast like I feel like,
and it's like it's gonna be a few years from
now pretty soon. Ironically, I think we'll feel a level of,
you know, joy and pride like this was not easy. Again,
I don't want to act like a world we're here
like all done and finished and the job is done
like no, but just a love of pride and connectedness
(13:28):
to the team that we had, the staff that we
have here because we did it together night in and
night out, like it was not one single person, it
wasn't even a few people, like it was genuinely all
of us. So I think we'll always kind of have
that joy and pride for each other and with each other.
Speaker 1 (13:44):
Before you get out of here, I gotta know your thoughts.
Because Violet the bass guyers take the world BLUs storm.
Speaker 2 (13:53):
What's it they like to have?
Speaker 1 (13:54):
I mean, my mascot introduced to the w and just
the energy Violet bringings Thereina.
Speaker 2 (14:01):
Vye is awesome. I think it's dope.
Speaker 3 (14:03):
Like obviously we didn't know when a mascot would be
announced or when we would meet By, but I think
it just adds the element that the craziness, the excitement
at Balhalla, like just to see By engage with fans
and bring, you know, another element to who we are
has been really exciting to see and just fun, Like
(14:24):
people have fun at Valkyries games, and Violet brings a
new level of energy and she's fun, and so it's
just been it's been great.
Speaker 1 (14:32):
As we look towards the w NBA postseason, Why should
fans be excited about the Valkyries, Oh, so many reasons.
Speaker 2 (14:40):
I think it's just like how we play the game.
Speaker 3 (14:44):
We play with a level of freedom and a level
of joy that is refreshing here in this league, is
refreshing in professional basketball.
Speaker 2 (14:51):
And I think it's cool when you don't know.
Speaker 3 (14:53):
Who it's gonna be, you know, obviously, like we've gotten
into a rhythm, but on any given night, it can
be any one of us. I think there's something to
be said about that is just how we play such
team oriented basketball, and you.
Speaker 2 (15:07):
Know, who doesn't love a good underdog story.
Speaker 3 (15:09):
I think it's dope to see us how we've come
throughout the course of the season, so I think they
should support it well.
Speaker 1 (15:16):
We'll certainly keep eyes on all things Valkyries for the
end of the regular season going into the postseason, and
best of luck through us the way, Veronica, thank you
for joining us this week on In Case You missed
It with Christina Williams here on Iheartwomen's Sports.
Speaker 2 (15:30):
Of course, Thank you, Christina, I appreciate it.
Speaker 1 (15:34):
In Case you missed It with Christina Williams is an
iHeart Women's sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports
and Entertainment. You can find us on the iHeartRadio app,
Apple podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Host
Khristina Williams
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