Veronica Burton’s meteoric rise in the basketball world is nothing short of inspiring—and now, her journey has taken her to the pinnacle of the sport: Team USA’s training camp. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: just three months after being crowned the WNBA’s Most Improved Player, the Golden State Valkyries’ point guard is rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest names in the game. At 25, Burton joins the likes of Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and WNBA Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers, forming a dynamic group of first-timers that Bueckers has affectionately dubbed the ‘Young and Turnt’ crew. Former Stanford stars Cameron Brink and Kiki Iriafen are also making their debuts, adding to the buzz surrounding this youthful squad.
And this is the part most people miss: Burton’s success isn’t just about her stats—though they’re impressive, with an average of 11.9 points and a 38.7% field goal percentage in 44 games. It’s her mindset and adaptability that truly stand out. ‘There’s a veteran experience here that will trickle down to the rest of us,’ Burton shared from Duke University, where the camp is held. ‘The energy and new competition? It’s like iron sharpening iron—this camp is going to be electric.’
What makes this story even more compelling is the presence of Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase, the WNBA Coach of the Year, who’s also making her Team USA debut. ‘Having Nat here is huge,’ Burton said. ‘She knows me better than anyone, and her guidance is invaluable.’ But here’s the controversial part: While some might argue that Burton’s rapid rise is due to her talent alone, others credit Nakase’s mentorship as a game-changer. What do you think? Is it the player’s skill or the coach’s influence that’s more pivotal?
Burton’s versatility shines as one of the few players in both Team USA’s 5-on-5 and 3x3 pools. Fresh off a gold medal win in the 3x3 AmeriCup, she believes the mindset from that format will translate seamlessly. ‘It’s basketball, but the competitiveness and intentionality carry over,’ she explained. ‘Playing alongside rivals? There’s a unique beauty in that.’
The camp also features veteran stars like Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, and Brittney Griner, setting the stage for an exciting blend of experience and youth. Looking ahead, the U.S. team will compete in Puerto Rico in March for a FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifier, part of a group that includes Italy, New Zealand, Senegal, and Spain.
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Burton, set to become a restricted free agent, will join Unrivaled—the 3x3 league co-founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier—in Miami in January, alongside Valkyries teammates Kate Martin and Monique Billings. Is this the start of a new era for Burton, or just another chapter in her already stellar career? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Written by Marisa Ingemi, Staff Writer, Women's Sports. Marisa covers the Golden State Valkyries, Bay FC, Stanford and Cal women’s basketball, and more for the San Francisco Chronicle. A New Hampshire native, she graduated from Boston University in 2017 and has since earned accolades including the 2024 NSMA California co-sportswriter of the year and the 2024 USBWA Rising Star award.
