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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!

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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 organization.

🎙 Co-Hosted by Raina Mast — multimedia artist, educator, musician, and of course...ex-hooper.

🎙 Co-hosted by Vanessa Hutchinson-Szekely — meditation and PE teacher, writer, founder of Big Belly Breathing, and of course...ex-hooper.

Follow along for more episodes, courtside convos, and community love as we celebrate the Golden State Valkyries and everything they stand for. We’re all in for our players—and we stand with the WNBPA (Women’s National Basketball Players Association) in their fight for a stronger Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and the higher salaries they deserve!

PAY THE PLAYERS.

💜 Follow us on Instagram & don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share if this brought some lavender joy to your day!

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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 vogliamo bene, Cecilia Zandalasini! 🇮🇹🏀💜

FORZA LE VIOLETTE!!!!

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 organization.

🎙 Co-Hosted by Raina Mast — multimedia artist, educator, musician, and of course...ex-hooper.

🎙 Co-hosted by Vanessa Hutchinson-Szekely — meditation and PE teacher, writer, founder of Big Belly Breathing, and of course...ex-hooper.

Follow along for more episodes, courtside convos, and community love as we celebrate the Golden State Valkyries and everything they stand for. We’re all in for our players—and we stand with the WNBPA (Women’s National Basketball Players Association) in their fight for a stronger Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and the higher salaries they deserve!

PAY THE PLAYERS.

💜 Follow us on Instagram & don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share if this brought some lavender joy to your day!

Send us a text

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 referenced in the episode during the “Cognate Extrapolate” game:

1. Janelle Salaün et Carla Leite brillent avec les Golden State Valkyries en WNBA
2. Il Famila Wuber annuncia la francese Janelle Salaün. Ha chiuso la passata stagione a 14,5 punti e 5,5 rimbalzi…
3. 3 choses à savoir sur Janelle Salaün, la Française qui cartonne à l'Eurobasket 2025
4. Lega Basket femminile: Janelle Salaun si è aggiudicata ieri il premio di MVP delle Finali Scudetto 🏆 Il segreto? Lo spiega lei, con grandissima umiltà: PLAY SIMPLE✌️
5. “Janelle Salaün (seize points) et les Valkyries tombent sur une immense A’Ja Wilson”
6. “Janelle Salaün le da el pase perfecto a Kaila Charles para que termine la jugada… Es como si se hubiera activado un interruptor desde el último partido contra Dallas y eso ha hecho que todos jueguen mejor.”- Reddit, by JKCdue

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 organization.

🎙 Co-Hosted by Raina Mast — multimedia artist, educator, musician, and of course...ex-hooper.

🎙 Co-hosted by Vanessa Hutchinson-Szekely — meditation and PE teacher, writer, founder of Big Belly Breathing, and of course...ex-hooper.

Follow along for more episodes, courtside convos, and community love as we celebrate the Golden State Valkyries and everything they stand for. We’re all in for our players—and we stand with the WNBPA (Women’s National Basketball Players Association) in their fight for a stronger Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and the higher salaries they deserve!

PAY THE PLAYERS.

💜 Follow us on Instagram & don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share if this brought some lavender joy to your day!

Send us a text

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.

Tune in as we discuss why she's the best. We love Laeticia Amihere! 🏀👑🖤💜

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 organization.

🎙 Co-Hosted by Raina Mast — multimedia artist, educator, musician, and of course...ex-hooper.

🎙 Co-hosted by Vanessa Hutchinson-Szekely — meditation and PE teacher, writer, founder of Big Belly Breathing, and of course...ex-hooper.

Follow along for more episodes, courtside convos, and community love as we celebrate the Golden State Valkyries and everything they stand for. We’re all in for our players—and we stand with the WNBPA (Women’s National Basketball Players Association) in their fight for a stronger Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and the higher salaries they deserve!

PAY THE PLAYERS.

💜 Follow us on Instagram & don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share if this brought some lavender joy to your day!

Send us a text

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 seen her fashion line????

Tune in as we discuss why she's the best. We 💜 Tiffany Hayes! 🏀🔥🖤💜

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 organization.

🎙 Co-Hosted by Raina Mast — multimedia artist, educator, musician, and of course...ex-hooper.

🎙 Co-hosted by Vanessa Hutchinson-Szekely — meditation and PE teacher, writer, founder of Big Belly Breathing, and of course...ex-hooper.

Follow along for more episodes, courtside convos, and community love as we celebrate the Golden State Valkyries and everything they stand for. We’re all in for our players—and we stand with the WNBPA (Women’s National Basketball Players Association) in their fight for a stronger Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and the higher salaries they deserve!

PAY THE PLAYERS.

💜 Follow us on Instagram & don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share if this brought some lavender joy to your day!

Send us a text

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 so, so grateful! 🏀💜🔥🖤

Check it out here if you haven’t seen it yet :)

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 organization.

🎙 Co-Hosted by Raina Mast — multimedia artist, educator, musician, and of course...ex-hooper.

🎙 Co-hosted by Vanessa Hutchinson-Szekely — meditation and PE teacher, writer, founder of Big Belly Breathing, and of course...ex-hooper.

Follow along for more episodes, courtside convos, and community love as we celebrate the Golden State Valkyries and everything they stand for. We’re all in for our players—and we stand with the WNBPA (Women’s National Basketball Players Association) in their fight for a stronger Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and the higher salaries they deserve!

PAY THE PLAYERS.

💜 Follow us on Instagram & don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share if this brought some lavender joy to your day!

Send us a text

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 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 organization.

🎙 Co-Hosted by Raina Mast — multimedia artist, educator, musician, and of course...ex-hooper.

🎙 Co-hosted by Vanessa Hutchinson-Szekely — meditation and PE teacher, writer, founder of Big Belly Breathing, and of course...ex-hooper.

Follow along for more episodes, courtside convos, and community love as we celebrate the Golden State Valkyries and everything they stand for. We’re all in for our players—and we stand with the WNBPA (Women’s National Basketball Players Association) in their fight for a stronger Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and the higher salaries they deserve!

PAY THE PLAYERS.

💜 Follow us on Instagram & don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share if this brought some lavender joy to your day!

Send us a text

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 "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 organization.

🎙 Co-Hosted by Raina Mast — multimedia artist, educator, musician, and of course...ex-hooper.

🎙 Co-hosted by Vanessa Hutchinson-Szekely — meditation and PE teacher, writer, founder of Big Belly Breathing, and of course...ex-hooper.

Follow along for more episodes, courtside convos, and community love as we celebrate the Golden State Valkyries and everything they stand for. We’re all in for our players—and we stand with the WNBPA (Women’s National Basketball Players Association) in their fight for a stronger Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and the higher salaries they deserve!

PAY THE PLAYERS.

💜 Follow us on Instagram & don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share if this brought some lavender joy to your day!