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In this episode, we’re shining the spotlight on Janelle Salaün, the Valkyries’ rising French star, rocking #13. After making waves in EuroBasket with Team France, she brought her sharp shooting and high basketball IQ across the Atlantic to join the WNBA’s newest squad.

Her game blends size, skill, and a fearless shooter’s mentality—she’s the kind of forward who can stretch the floor, make smart reads, and hit the clutch bucket when it matters most. Off the court, Janelle brings that same poise and focus, representing a new generation of French talent making an impact on the global stage.

Come hang as we discuss how to pronounce her last name correctly and dig into why she’s a player you’ll want to keep your eye on all season. We stan Janelle Salaün! 🏀🇫🇷💜

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

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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.

💜 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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In this episode, we’re shining the spotlight on Laeticia Amihere, the Valkyries’ dynamic forward known as The Black Queen, rocking #3. A national champion with South Carolina under Dawn Staley, a 2023 WNBA first-round pick, and an Olympic medalist with Team Canada, Amihere has already made her mark on every stage she’s touched.

Her game blends length, versatility, and fearless hustle—she’s the kind of player who can guard multiple positions, run the floor, and bring a spark the moment she checks in. Off the court, she’s an outspoken advocate, mentor, and role model, using her platform to empower others.

Come hang as we dig into Laeticia’s journey, her impact on the Valks, and why she’s a force for both buckets and change. We 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.

💜 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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In this episode, we’re celebrating one of the Valkyries’ most experienced leaders: Tiffany Hayes, #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, and a proven sharpshooter who sets the tone with her relentless energy—on and off the court. Hayes isn’t just filling a role; she’s shaping culture.

Come hang as we dive into Tip's background and unpack why she’s a pillar of this Valks squad. 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.

💜 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

In this episode, we’re showing love to one of the Valkyries’ fiercest and finest forces: Monique Billings, #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 having her hands in so many flourishing pots.

She’s the heartbeat of the paint, a fan favorite, and living proof of just how multi-talented this squad really is—on and off the court.

Come hang as we play a new game to unpack Mo’s background and why she’s such a powerful spark in the Valks lineup. We 💜 Monique Billings!

P.S. Huge thanks to KPIX and journalist Kelsi Thorud for the incredible feature on 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.

💜 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

In episode 7, we’re showing love to one of the Valkyries’ real-deal anchors: Kayla Thornton. She’s an incredible defender, experienced vet, and the kind of player every team needs and wants.

From going undrafted to grinding her way through Washington, Dallas and New York, Kayla’s journey shows grind and glory, and now she’s holding it down in black and violet with jersey #5.

Come hang as we break down why KT's the lowkey MVP of the Valks. We HEART Kayla Thornton. Let’s gooo! 🏀🔥🖤💜

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.

💜 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

In episode 6, we’re talking game and fame of Valkyries' talented guard, Kate Martin. She's the energetic spark plug, the on-court coordinator, and our rising star now rocking the Golden State Valkyries jersey #20. From her 6-year run at Iowa to stepping up big in her second WNBA season, Kate’s journey is one of resilience, leadership, and infectious positivity.

This episode we’re digging into some stats, history, and the je ne sais quoi intangibles that make Kate so great. We talk about her work ethic, BB iq and social iq, the fundamentals she brings to the court, and how she's quickly becoming a fan favorite and vital piece of this Valkyries squad.

Come hang as we shout out the hustle plays, the leadership vibes, and the nonstop gracious and game-for-whatever energy. 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.

💜 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

In this episode, we’re talking about Veronica Burton—the defensive dynamo, brainy baller, and clutch playmaker now rocking the Golden State Valkyries jersey #22. From Northwestern stardom to her grit-filled seasons with Dallas and Connecticut, Veronica’s journey is one of smarts, hustle, and quiet consistency.

But we’re not just here to run her stats—we’re digging into the intangibles. We talk about her sources of inspiration and how she's an incredible contribution to this team.

Come hang as we shout out the IQ, the steals, the steady hands—and give this low-key star her spotlight. Let’s hear it for Veronica Burton! 💜🔒🏀

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.

💜 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

In this episode, we’re talking about Temi Fagbenle—the seasoned vet, Olympic baller, and newest powerhouse joining the Golden State Valkyries wearing jersey #14. From London roots to Harvard halls to WNBA locker rooms (most recently with the Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark), Temi’s story is global, grounded, and so inspiring.

But this convo goes beyond her resume—we’re diving into her presence, poise, and the quiet strength she brings to the game. We chat about what it means to have a leader like Temi on this young squad, and why we’re already picturing her as the soul of the Valkyries. Graceful, gritty, and wildly underrated… we see you, Temi.

Come hang as we give this queen her flowers and bask in the beauty of experience meeting opportunity. Let’s gooo, Valkyries! 💜✌️🏀

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.

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