Walking into a matchup against her former team, Kayla Thornton must have realized that some of the best gifts don’t come wrapped on birthdays. Remember last year? While she didn’t exactly light up the scoreboard in the Liberty’s championship game, make no mistake—her sweaty fingerprints were all over that win. The Liberty clinched their first-ever championship on her 32nd birthday, and while there was no cake on court, Thornton celebrated by diving for loose balls, forcing jump balls, and playing a series-high 21 minutes of pure good chaos. Now, with October still far away, she had another present that spoke of her little but game-changing acts of hustle that often went unnoticed. And honestly, that might beat a birthday card any day.
So, while Kayla does not miss the “funk” of New York City, she definitely misses the moments she spent with her former team. “New York holds a special place in my heart,” Thornton said upon arriving to play against Liberty. “So it’s good to be back.” That is exactly why she was moved to tears she reunited with her teammates. And for them? It’s the same. While the team had their ring and banner ceremony before the Aces game, they did not forget the one whose energy had sparked a 27-12 run for their historical moment. So, the Liberty had a special gift in store for her, giving Thornton her ring during Tuesday’s game. It marked a special moment for all, including her “sisters”.
“I mean, you’re welcoming a sister home. You’re welcoming somebody that you have a lot of great memories with that you won a championship with.” said Liberty center Jonquel Jones. “And the ring ceremony was so special for us and she wasn’t able to be a part of that, obviously. And so we just wanted to make her feel special.” Thornton arrived in Brooklyn as part of the three-team trade that also added Jonquel to the team. While Kayla was simply an ‘add-on’ in the trade, her contributions in both of New York’s runs to the final have been massive.
In a side that’s stacked with stars, Thornton acted as the adhesive for Sandy Brondello. “She’s passionate,” Brondello said in December. “She’s the heart and soul. People can feel the energy when she’s out there, how she lifts up her teammates. She just brings so much positivity in making sure that everyone’s ready.”
And as she received her ring at the Barclays Center, Stewie echoed that sentiment, sharing how they’d have fallen apart without her beloved “Ka-three-la”. “We appreciate her so, so much. And I think for her to be able to get her ring in front of our fans, that’s the best way to do it because we wouldn’t have won without her,” Stewart said.
Kayla’s importance to this squad was visible to Valkyries GM Ohemaa Nyanin, as she’s served as the assistant GM for the Liberty in the past. She did not hesitate at the opportunity of drafting Thornton. After she averaged the second-most playoff minutes off the bench during the championship run last year, it was clear that Kayla was ready to step into a bigger role than the Liberty had not been able to provide. And the Valkyries gave her just that.
How does Kayla fit into this Valkyrie’s side?
As is the case with any new franchise, the Valkyries are seeking all the experience they can get. Thornton’s 9-year career makes her the team’s longest-tenured player and places a certain leadership upon her shoulders. But for Head Coach Natalie Nakase, Thornton’s championship experience stands out. When asked what she believes Thornton adds to the side, Coach Nakase said, “She played crucial minutes in the Finals and that to me is priceless. She steps up when her name is called.”
While Thornton’s contributions in the finals are surely appreciated, it is also her work leading up to that point that deserves credit. During the regular season, Thornton stepped up and filled in when the Liberty were battling a wave of injuries. Kayla helped steady Sandy Bronello’s ship at the time, stepping into the starting line-up 11 times during the season. Not just highlighting she possesses the quality to step up, but also the durability to do so consistently.
And when we add Thornton’s tenacity on the hardwood to the equation, it becomes crystal clear she will be a crucial part of the W’s newest franchise. “When Coach Natalie explained to me the type of athlete that she’s looking for both on and off the court, K.T.[Thornton] is who came to mind, right away,” Nyanin said. “She is a defensive specialist. She has grown her game to be able to shoot the three. She’s a ball of energy, a vet. She knows how to bring people together and I’m really excited.”
Although the Valkyries might’ve taken the fall in their latest bout with Liberty, their season has been off to a decent start, and Kayla Thornton’s contributions on both ends of the floor have had a major role to play. Thornton’s intensity is infectious, and considering the wealth of experience she brings along, it will be only natural for their young stars to follow in her footsteps. The inaugural season offers promise for the Valkyries, and Kayla’s role in the same cannot be understated.
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