Just 14 months ago in Dallas, Texas, Veronica Burton was welcoming her new teammate Jacee Sheldon after the 2024 WNBA draft. Following the season where Burton and the Dallas Wings made it to the WNBA Playoffs semi-finals, she prepared to start training camp, ready to compete with her teammates for another year.
However, a lot has changed across the league—and especially in Burton’s journey—during these 14 months. She went from getting ready to play with Dallas to joining the Connecticut Sun, playing internationally for Bendigo Spirit in the WNBL, and finally being drafted by the Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA’s Expansion Draft.
This rapid progression highlights how unpredictable and dynamic WNBA careers can be. “Whirlwinds is a good word for that,” Burton said reflecting on her experience. “The WNBA journey is a blessing, and where you end up as a player is often unexpected and can’t be fully predicted.”
Burton secured a spot on the Valkyries’ opening day roster, joining a team filled with international veterans and players earning their first real opportunity in the WNBA. “We all have the drive and mentality to be here—no one had an easy path,” she explained. “It shows on the court since we want to play and trust each other. Many of us were left unprotected by previous teams, so now we’re just doing our best to contribute.”
The Golden State Valkyries have already exceeded expectations in their inaugural season. While sportsbooks set their win total at 8.5, the team has surpassed that mark by the All-Star break, propelled by players like Temi Fagun and Len, often called the “sixth female team.”
Burton praised her teammates, saying, “That’s how we think.” She also highlighted Kayla Thornton, the team’s sole All-Star, who transitioned from a key bench role with New York Liberty to leading the offense for the Valkyries. “They have really great players like Thornton and Tiffany Hayes, who know their strengths and play to them well, building strong team chemistry.”
Throughout the season, it’s evident that the team shares a deep bond, whether celebrating Thornton’s All-Star nod or supporting each other in daily routines. Burton herself was thrilled for Thornton and embraced the news emotionally, even though she hadn’t expected to receive an All-Star call herself. “I wasn’t really thinking about it,” Burton admitted.
Despite notable snubs like Brionna Jones and Brittney Sykes, Burton earned the nod, partly because she is one of only 10 players in the league averaging at least 10 points and 5 assists per game. Of those, only three—including Burton, Jordan Canada, and Natasha Cloud—were not selected as All-Stars.
Burton acknowledged the honor, saying, “It’s good company to be in.” Her production isn’t surprising to those who followed her college career at Northwestern or her time with Dallas and Connecticut—it’s just that she hadn’t had enough court time previously to fully showcase her skills.
Now, as a regular starter with Golden State, Burton is growing as both a player and leader. “It’s a big mental shift, about confidence and readiness,” she said. Compared to previous seasons with less playing time, her minutes and contributions on the court have dramatically increased.
She credits this growth not only to her self-belief and faith but also to the experience gained from big playoff games and learning from veteran teammates. Despite being in just her fourth year, Burton embraces a leadership role both on the floor and in the locker room. “More opportunity equals more production,” she said, also acknowledging that teammates and coaches play a critical role in any player’s success.
As a free agent at the end of the season, and with two new teams joining the league next year, Burton knows nothing is guaranteed in the WNBA. Still, she’s happy to have found a home in Golden State, praising the fan support: “From Game 1 to Game 12, the crowd’s energy is unmatched—they’re not just present, they’re loud and passionate.”
The Valkyries haven’t yet focused on the playoffs, but they recognize the home-court advantage their fans provide. Burton said, “We feel their energy all game long, and it’s a real boost for us. It’s fantastic for women’s basketball and the WNBA. We’re grateful to play in the Bay Area.”
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Fan Take: Veronica Burton’s journey reflects the resilience and unpredictability of professional women’s basketball, showcasing that talent combined with opportunity can rapidly change a player’s trajectory. For WNBA fans, her rise and Golden State’s early success symbolize exciting growth in the league, especially as it expands and gains new passionate followings.
