The Golden State Valkyries have built a reputation around a trio of players who defy conventional positional labels. Kaila Charles, Kayla Thornton and Janelle Salaun are commonly referred to as “tweeners,” a term that captures their ability to guard multiple positions while also contributing offensively.
Charles has carved out a clearly defined defensive niche, averaging 5.9 points per game while also serving as a reliable three‑point threat. Thornton, traditionally a power forward, has been asked to assume larger responsibilities, even though her scoring has dipped as she battles bigger opponents in the paint. Salaun, who started last season, now comes off the bench and embraces more physical defensive assignments, shifting between perimeter shooting and interior play.
Versatility as a Strategic Asset
The flexibility of the three has translated into impressive on‑court chemistry. Together they hold a combined plus‑8 rating in just 95 minutes, with Thornton and Charles posting a plus‑47 partnership and Salaun pairing with Charles for a plus‑21 mark. These numbers illustrate how the lineup can match up against a variety of opponents, even when the matchup does not appear favorable on paper.
Head coach Natalie Nakase has publicly praised Salaun’s willingness to accept the physical demands of her new role, noting that the player’s turnover rate has dropped despite reduced minutes. The recent addition of Gabby Williams further enriches the Valkyries’ offensive dynamism, giving the team more options to exploit mismatches.
Beyond statistics, the players stress the importance of focus and cohesion. Charles emphasizes that staying “connected, locked in, and focused every game” is essential to sustaining the team’s versatility. Their collective willingness to sacrifice traditional roles for the benefit of the team has created a lineup capable of meeting almost any challenge.
The Valkyries’ approach reflects a broader trend in women’s basketball, where adaptability and defensive versatility are prized over rigid positional assignments. As the team continues to integrate new talent and refine its schemes, the “tweeners” will likely remain the cornerstone of its strategy.