Kayla Thornton of Golden State Valkyries to Miss Season Due to Knee Surgery
Kayla Thornton, the standout forward for the Golden State Valkyries, will not return this season following knee surgery performed on Friday, as confirmed by the team.
The injury occurred during practice earlier in the week, impacting her right knee. Thornton, who has been a pivotal player in the Valkyries' inaugural season, has started in 22 games, averaging 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game.
Immediately following her surgery, the Valkyries announced that Thornton would commence her rehabilitation process.
Selected in the expansion draft last December, Thornton previously celebrated a championship win with the New York Liberty in 2024. Her transition to the Valkyries has made her a fan favorite at Ballhalla, the affectionate name for San Francisco's Chase Center, where the team has achieved sell-out crowds for all 11 home games this season, leading the league in attendance.
In her 10th season in the WNBA, Thornton was enjoying a career year, highlighted by her first All-Star selection before the unfortunate injury sidelined her.
