Overview

• Vanloo returned to the Bay Area for the first time since being waived midflight by the Golden State Valkyries and described the experience as “touchy” during her matchup against her former team
• She has embraced a reserve point-guard role behind Kelsey Plum, averaging just over ten minutes per game and contributing to the Sparks’ push for a playoff spot
• Pregame reunions with former Valkyries teammates Kate Martin and Veronica Burton highlighted enduring personal bonds despite her abrupt exit
• Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase called the decision to release Vanloo one of the toughest she’s made and emphasized the league’s need for expanded roster spots under existing constraints
• Stanford alum Cameron Brink made her own emotional return from a 13-month ACL rehabilitation, calling San Francisco her “second home” as she eased back into the Sparks’ rotation