Tiffany Hayes Gives Valkyries’ Defense New Nickname After Clinching Playoff Berth

The Golden State Valkyries extended their winning streak to six games Monday night as they defeated the Dallas Wings at home 78-70 in a Western Conference showdown.

With the victory, the Valkyries also joined the Minnesota Lynx and Las Vegas Aces as the third team to clinch a spot in the WNBA playoffs thus far.

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Of course, Golden State has been one of the top teams in the WNBA so far this season as they currently sit second in the standings with a 25-9 record.

For the Valkyries, many things have contributed to their success this season, including their core of players led by Gabby Williams, Veronica Burton and Janelle Salaun, though the team’s defense may be the main reason for their success thus far.

Because of their dominance on the defensive end, guard Tiffany Hayes gave the Valkyries’ defense a new nickname following Wednesday’s victory and a recent trip the team went on.

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Tiffany Hayes gives Valkyries’ Defense New Nickname

After clinching a playoff berth with Monday’s victory over the Wings, Hayes took to Threads where she gave the Valkyries’ defense an interesting nickname.

“And if anybody start using the term Valkatraz… yall know where it came from,” Hayes posted on Threads.

Of course, Hayes had requested a team trip to Alcatraz in interviews multiple times over the past year and the Valkyries finally fulfilled her request on Aug. 14 as multiple players toured the famous maximum-security federal penitentiary.

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Hayes then connected Golden State’s defense to Alcatraz following Monday’s victory as she handed the Valkyries’ defense a new nickname in Valcatraz.

For the Valkyries, their defense currently ranks at the top of the WNBA as they lead the league with a 101.5 defensive rating, which has played a major role in the franchise’s success this season.

Kiah Stokes has led the way for the Valkyries’ defense this season as she holds the best defensive rating among WNBA players this season with a 97.0 rating.

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Overall, Golden State has 10 players ranked in the WNBA’s top 25 in defensive rating and its new ‘Valcatraz’ nickname fits the team well as they have been able to lock up other teams throughout the season.

The Valkyries will now try to extend their winning streak to seven games Wednesday night when they host the Minnesota Lynx in a battle between the teams with the two best records in the league.

Related: WNBA Announces Caitlin Clark Milestone Before Indiana Fever Game

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 18, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.