At 32 years old, Kayla Thornton had only averaged double figures once in her WNBA career. Last year, she averaged 5.5 points and 2.6 rebounds in 20.3 minutes off the bench for the New York Liberty en route to the franchise’s first title.
But when the Liberty had to pick six players to protect from the Golden State Valkyries' expansion draft, Thornton was left unprotected. Presumably, the organization chose to protect Sabina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, Leonie Fiebich, Jonquel Jones, Nyara Sabally, and
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton.
In turn, Golden State selected Thornton.
In the Bay, Thornton has found unprecedented success. In her 10th season, she is averaging 14.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals. All of those numbers are career highs.
This season, she’s had 29-point, 22-point, and 21-point performances, showcasing an offensive versatility she’s rarely gotten the chance to demonstrate in her career. In June, she was named Western Conference Player of the Week, averaging 20 points and 11.5 rebounds per game.
Got the news post-shoot around, but her game spoke alllll week.
— Golden State Valkyries (@valkyries) June 17, 2025
2 double-doubles. 2 wins. 1 dagger triple in OT.
Your Western Conference Player of the Week, @KaylaThornton.@jwinery | Celebrating Milestones pic.twitter.com/Le5r0OV53N
This season’s production has been a significant departure from her usual production, and in turn, she’s been named an All-Star for the very first time.
It’s highly unusual for a player to nearly double their production from one year to the next in their thirties, but such has been the case for Thornton. After averaging 7.6 points and 4.4 points per game in her career, she’s finally leading the charge.
Kayla Thornton has been critical to the Golden State Valkyries’ success
The Valkyries are 10-12 to begin the year, and Thornton has been the team’s most consistent player. While her last few games have been difficult (she’s made just 3 of her last 21 field goals), the 6’1 forward’s impact has also extended far beyond the court.
Valkyries teammate Kate Martin has also praised Thornton’s leadership on the Valkyries.
“It goes beyond basketball,” Martin said after Thornton’s 29-point night in June, per CBS Sports’ Matt Lively. “She’s a tremendous person. She’s somebody you want to be around all the time. She’s a great leader in the locker room, a great friend... she’s all of that, but also a phenomenal basketball player.”
I believe the Valkyries have been so successful because of their culture and the team chemistry.
— Matt Lively (@mattblively) June 28, 2025
Perfect example here as Kate Martin answers a question about Kayla Thornton after her career night. pic.twitter.com/NDXfNg326v
After that same game, head coach Natalie Nakase discussed the impact of
“It was not our greatest start, and we kind of struggled,” Nakase said. “So we went to KT, ‘Hey can we hear your voice a little louder? And then boom — she responded.”
