Sports
Emotional Lampard: Coventry promotion 'right up there' in my achievements
Lampard celebrates Coventry's return to the Premier League after 25 years!
Sky Sports1 min read
Sports
Kayla Thornton re-signs with Valkyries after All-Star season
TL;DR
Kayla Thornton has re-signed with the Golden State Valkyries on a one-year deal after an impressive All-Star season. The 33-year-old forward was the team's standout player and made history as their first-ever All-Star.
Following the greatest year of what is becoming a long WNBA career, Kayla Thornton has re-signed with a one-year deal with the Golden State Valkyries.
The Valkyries took the 33-year-old Thornton in last year's WNBA expansion draft, shortly after she won a WNBA title with the New York Liberty, and Thornton stepped in as their best player and first-ever All-Star.
More: Kayla Thornton's WNBA journey continues with making first basket in Valkyrie history
Jul 9, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton (5) shoots the ball in the second half against the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
The alum of UTEP and Irvin High averaged a career-high 14.0 points and 7.0 rebounds and led the Valkyries in minutes (30.1) before a season-ending knee injury in July after 22 games. She recovered from that well enough to attend the USA Basketball Women’s National Team training camp in early April, her first USA invite.
"Kayla had an extraordinary season for this franchise and for herself," Valkyries general manager Ohemaa Nyanin said in a statement. "She became our first-ever All-Star, and also stepped up as a leader for a new roster from day one. Kayla brings relentless work ethic and an unshakeable belief in this team."
More: Irvin High School retires number of basketball legend, WNBA champion Kayla Thornton
Thornton graduated from UTEP in 2014 as the program's all-time leading scorer and rebounder and has since had her jersey retired at both UTEP and Irvin.
Bret Bloomquist can be reached at bbloomquist@elpasotimes.com; @Bretbloomquist on X.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Kayla Thornton re-signs with WNBA's Golden State Valkyries
Q&A
What were Kayla Thornton's achievements during her All-Star season with the Valkyries?
Kayla Thornton was the standout player for the Valkyries and became the team's first-ever All-Star during her season.
How long is Kayla Thornton's new contract with the Golden State Valkyries?
Kayla Thornton has signed a one-year deal to continue playing with the Golden State Valkyries.
What team did Kayla Thornton play for before joining the Valkyries?
Before joining the Valkyries, Kayla Thornton played for the New York Liberty, where she won a WNBA title.