‘I have been criticized’ – WNBA coach Natalie Nakase defends trans athletes in women’s sports

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Amid all the conversation around trans athletes in women’s sports within the WNBA, Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase spoke candidly about her position.

The WNBA has recently taken centre stage when it comes to a massive social topic. With Sophie Cunningham speaking out against trans athletes in women’s sports, it has opened up a big conversation.

There have been many in the wider political world who have supported Cunningham in saying that trans women should not be allowed in sports.

However, the reigning Coach of the Year in the W, has some different ideas. Golden State Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase spoke in favor of inclusivity while defending trans women.

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Natalie Nakase pointed to her own issues with discrimination to defend trans athletes​

Whether trans women should be allowed in women’s sports is a culture war issue that has been ongoing for years. It is an extremely polarising topic, but one that resonates personally with Nakase.

The first Asian-American WNBA coach, she revealed that her own experiences with discrimination within sports have made her a staunch believer that it should be a space that includes everyone.


“I think just in terms of how I’m seeing it is, if I can answer, for me sports is about belonging. It’s about inclusivity. It’s about allowing everyone to be their authentic self,” Nakase said.

“I’m big on that because I have been criticized for my height, for my ethnicity. I’ve been in those ‘you shouldn’t belong here,’ [moments] and for me I don’t want that space, especially Golden State, to ever feel like that.

“I’m all about women, little girls deserving to play, and that includes trans women. So I’m all about inclusivity.”

This is a bold statement from Nakase, one that many will disagree with. As the debate continues to rage on, one thing is clear. This is a multifaceted issue and one that has significant differences in opinion.

Read more:

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• Why Kelsey Plum trade to Phoenix Mercury has been labelled a ‘head-scratcher’

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