Tiffany Hayes Joins Golden State Valkyries: A New Chapter for the WNBA Star
In a move that has sent ripples through the WNBA community, free agent guard Tiffany Hayes, the 2024 WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year, has officially signed with the Golden State Valkyries. The team made the announcement on Thursday, marking a significant acquisition for the league’s newest expansion team.
According to sources, Golden State had been eyeing Hayes for quite some time. The Las Vegas Aces had protected her during the expansion draft and made efforts to retain her during free agency. However, Hayes ultimately chose to join the Valkyries, a decision that speaks volumes about the potential she sees in the new team.
Golden State Valkyries’ general manager Ohemaa Nyanin expressed her excitement about the signing, stating, “Tiffany is a dynamic scorer who can change the momentum of a game in an instant. Beyond her on-court impact, she brings an infectious energy and selfless approach that elevates everyone around her. Her willingness to contribute in any way needed, combined with her defensive intensity and scoring ability will add another important piece to what we’re building here in the Bay Area.”
Hayes will be reuniting with Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase, who previously worked with her as an assistant coach with the Aces. Nakase shared her thoughts on the reunion, saying, “Having coached Tiffany last season in Las Vegas, I know firsthand the impact she brings both on and off the court. Her versatility, intensity, and ability to score will be invaluable as we build our team’s identity. She’s also an exceptional mentor who understands what it takes to play, and succeed, at the highest level.”
Hayes, who was a 2012 second-round pick out of UConn, has had a storied career in the WNBA. She spent the majority of her time with the Atlanta Dream, where she had her best season in 2018. That year, she earned All-WNBA first-team and All-Defensive second-team honors and finished sixth in MVP voting. She was also a WNBA All-Star selection in 2017.
In December 2023, Hayes announced her retirement from the WNBA, only to make a comeback in 2024 by signing midseason with the then-two-time defending champion Aces. Her career averages stand at 13.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists, and she averaged 9.5 points off the bench for the Aces last season. Additionally, Hayes represented Azerbaijan at the 2024 Paris Olympics in 3×3 basketball.
Golden State owner Joe Lacob recently discussed the challenges of attracting free agents as an expansion team. Despite these challenges, the Valkyries have been proactive in building their roster. In December’s expansion draft, they acquired players like Kate Martin, Kayla Thornton, Monique Billings, and Temi Fagbenle. They also announced the signings of Janelle Salaun and Kyara Linskens to rookie-scale contracts, along with Chloe Bibby to a training camp contract.
- Golden State Valkyries’ inaugural game is set for May 16 at Chase Center against the Los Angeles Sparks.
- Hayes’ signing is a significant step in establishing the Valkyries as a competitive team in the WNBA.
- The team’s strategy focuses on building a strong, versatile roster capable of making an impact in their debut season.
As the Valkyries prepare for their inaugural season, the addition of Tiffany Hayes is a promising sign of the team’s ambitions. Her experience, skill, and leadership will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the team’s identity and success in the WNBA.
Originally Written by: Alexa Philippou
