Veronica Burton WNBA elite player
Veronica Burton’s journey from a reserve player to a standout star with the Golden State Valkyries is nothing short of inspirational. This season, she has not only become the backbone of her team but has also emerged as one of the WNBA’s elite players.
As the Valkyries’ reliable point guard, Burton has started every game this season, showcasing her leadership and versatility on the court. Her performance has been instrumental in leading the Valkyries to a surprise playoff run, a testament to her hard work and determination. Burton’s transformation into a key player for the Valkyries has not gone unnoticed.
She is not only a contender for the WNBA’s Most Improved Player award but is also making a strong case for the prestigious All-WNBA team. Her journey from being an anonymous reserve in Connecticut to a team leader has been marked by consistent improvement and resilience.
Burton’s statistics this season are impressive, with averages of 12 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game. Moreover, she leads her team in almost every significant statistical category, including blocks—a remarkable feat for a 5-foot – 9 guard (Mercury News, 2025), including Veronica Burton applications, including WNBA elite applications, particularly in Golden State Valkyries, particularly in WNBA elite. The competition for an All-WNBA spot is fierce, with seven superstars almost guaranteed a place on the team.
Among guards, Burton is up against some of the league’s best, including Paige Bueckers, Kelsey Plum, and Skylar Diggins. Despite the stiff competition, Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase firmly believes Burton deserves a spot.
“She’s not just improved; she should be All-WNBA with the numbers she’s putting up, ” Nakase stated, highlighting Burton’s critical role in elevating an expansion team expected to struggle into a playoff contender. Burton’s contribution to the Valkyries goes beyond statistics. Her leadership and decision-making have been crucial, especially as the team’s lineup has faced disruptions due to EuroBasket assignments and injuries.
Burton’s ability to remain a steady presence and make the right decisions on the court has been vital to the Valkyries’ success. Her standout performances, including a 30-point game against Washington and a 24-point, 14-assist game against Phoenix, demonstrate her capability to impact games significantly.
Since the All-Star break, Burton’s shooting percentages have been outstanding, with 44.4% from the field, 40, including WNBA elite applications.2% from three-point range, and 92.8% from the free-throw line. Her success is attributed to both her work ethic and the trust and confidence instilled in her by the coaching staff and teammates. As Burton herself noted, “I’ve had a coaching staff and teammates that instill a lot of confidence in me, and that goes a long way in terms of success on court.” Her dedication and the opportunities she has seized have allowed her to transcend from being a feel-good story to being recognized as one of the league’s best players.
Veronica Burton’s rise in the WNBA is a testament to her talent, resilience, and leadership. Her journey from a reserve player to a star for the Golden State Valkyries captures the essence of determination and the impact of seizing opportunities when they arise.
As the WNBA season progresses, Burton’s contributions will continue to be pivotal in the Valkyries’ pursuit of success, and her journey will inspire many aspiring athletes.
