Golden State Valkyries’ Kayla Thornton Named First WNBA All-Star

Kayla Thornton has been named the first-ever WNBA All-Star from the Golden State Valkyries, earning her spot as a reserve in her 10th season and marking a career-best year. Thornton has started all 17 games for the Valkyries, leading the team with averages of 14.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game, and she has registered five double-doubles this season. Her leadership and reliability have been pivotal for the expansion team, which currently holds a 9-7 record and sits fourth in the Western Conference. Thornton, who previously helped the New York Liberty win a WNBA championship, was also the first Valkyrie to be named Player of the Week and scored the first basket in franchise history. All-Star captains Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier will draft teams from the starters and reserves, including Thornton, for the July 19 game in Indianapolis. Her selection not only recognizes her individual success but also highlights her impact on the surprising competitiveness of the new franchise.