The Valkyries struck gold in the expansion draft, landing impactful players like Veronica Burton, Kayla Thornton, Cecilia Zandalasini, Carla Leite, Temi Fagbenle, Iliana Rupert, and Monique Billings. Free agency wasn’t quite as successful. While French rookie Janelle Salaün ended up playing a big role for the team, Tiffany Hayes was the Valkyries’ prized free agency signing. She was the one veteran star willing to take the risk and come to the Valkyries.
Hayes didn’t play much due to injuries, appearing in just 26 games, but signing her was still a win on and off the court. Hayes provided scoring and shot creation when she played, and veteran leadership and a connection to the community off the court. She proved the latter one all over again when she appeared on Breathe Through It with Monique Billings. While doing so, Hayes also perfectly described what made the Valkyries’ first season so special: a fanbase eager to support a WNBA team.
When asked what excited her most about playing for the Valkyries, Hayes said, “We get to come into the city, bring them something that they’ve been wanting for a long time: A women’s basketball team. And we get to give them that. I’m just grateful to be able to get out here. I’m learning about people already, learning about the community. I’m trying to tap into the community, figuring out what I can give to them that they’ve been missing. So, I think that’s one of the best things I get to bring to the city playing with the Valkyries.”
Hayes also added that she is planning to host basketball camps in the area that also feature mental health and financial literacy classes.
Community support was part of what made the Valkyries’ season so special
One thing that made the Valkyries’ first season so successful was the organization’s ability to immediately connect with the community in San Francisco. Even before any players ever stepped onto the court at Chase Center, the Valkyries became the first WNBA team to sell 10,000 season tickets in May.
Throughout the season, they sold out every single home game and led the league in attendance. Ballhalla quickly became one of the most electric arenas in the WNBA.
Fans in the area were obviously eager to support a WNBA team. They immediately flocked to support young players who still had to prove themselves in the W, like Kaitlyn Chen, Janelle Salaün, Laeticia Amihere, and Carla Leite.
On top of that, the Valkyries’ branding and marketing were top-tier, ranging from team colors to the unveiling of their mascot Violet the Raven, and players’ interest in the community helped solidify the immediate connection between the Valkyries and their fans.
Tiffany Hayes could be back with the Valkyries for another season
Like every team in the league, the Valkyries could undergo a lot of change ahead of next season. First of all, the expansion draft for the Tempo and Fire will hurt the Valkyries’ depth. Secondly, it’s no secret that the Valkyries want to compete for a championship. That goal promises serious attempts to upgrade the roster.
It’s still uncertain where Tiffany Hayes fits into all of this. She is already 36, already retired before, and only played 26 games for the Valkyries this season. When Hayes played, she was good, putting points on the boards, rebounding, and making plays. She could be a great veteran to hold on to, as the front office tries to build a roster that can go past the first round of the playoffs. Hayes also seems happy with the Valkyries, increasing the likelihood of her return.