Bree Hall Signs with WNBA Expansion Team Valkyries, Cementing Her Pro Path and Spotlighting South Carolina’s Growing Influence in Women’s Basketball

“MILESTONE MOMENT FOR A GAMECOCK: Bree Hall Signs with WNBA Expansion Team Valkyries, Cementing Her Pro Path and Spotlighting South Carolina’s Growing Influence in Women’s Basketball”

 

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — In a move that marks a defining moment for both player and program, former South Carolina guard Bree Hall has officially signed a rest-of-season contract with the Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA’s newest franchise. The announcement brings her back to the professional stage after being waived by the Indiana Fever—and it underscores the Gamecocks’ deepening legacy as a pipeline to the league .

 

 

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🏀 From Draft Day Disappointment to Valkyries’ Opportunity

 

Hall, a second-round pick (20th overall) in the 2025 WNBA Draft by Indiana, experienced a setback when she was waived following the Fever’s training camp. During her preseason debut on May 4, she logged nine points and four rebounds over 16 minutes against the Brazilian national team . Despite that promising showing, fierce competition led to her release—but her professional chapter was far from over.

 

Enter the Valkyries. With several key players—including Janelle Salaün, Julie Vanloo, Temi Fágbénlé, and Cecilia Zandalasini—away at EuroBasket 2025, San Francisco had immediate roster openings . Bree Hall seized one of those spots, trading overnight disappointment for a fresh opportunity in the Bay Area.

 

 

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🏆 Gamecock Heritage Meets Valkyries’ Vision

 

At South Carolina, Bree Hall was more than a role player—she was a two-time NCAA champion (2022, 2024) and a key defensive presence on the Crimson Wave. Her 38.3% efficiency from beyond the arc during her senior season made her a lethal two-way threat .

 

Her signing now adds a third Gamecock from the 2025 draft class to the WNBA benches—joining Te‑Hina Paopao (Atlanta Dream) and Sania Feagin (Los Angeles Sparks) . For former head coach Dawn Staley, this achievement reaffirms her program’s reputation as a consistent producer of pro-ready talent.

 

 

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🌉 Valkyries Strategy: Depth and Dynamism

 

The Valkyries’ inaugural season has been a major success story. After beginning play in May, franchise leadership set lofty expectations—and early performance (5‑5 start) has exceeded them . Head coach Natalie Nakase has emphasized versatility, intelligence, and adaptability, especially as multiple starters were absent for international duty .

 

Hall’s addition fits squarely into that model. Known for her defensive tenacity and clutch shooting, she provides depth in the guard rotation and brings a championship mentality to the locker room. Her presence may tip the scales in the Valkyries’ bid for playoff contention amid the flux of an expansion season.

 

 

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🔭 Immediate and Future Impacts

 

Roster Reinforcement: Hall will debut Thursday night against her former team, the Indiana Fever—offering a high-stakes first impression .

 

Temporary Role, Big Stage: Her contract is currently tied to the duration of EuroBasket—incoming full-time players may arrive in July. Strong early performance could capture attention, potentially extending her stay.

 

Program Legacy: Hall’s signing cements what many call a legacy boom for South Carolina, now featuring eleven alumni in the WNBA roster pool this season .

 

 

 

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📝 Final Word

 

Bree Hall’s signing with the Golden State Valkyries represents a powerful narrative arc—from collegiate glory in Columbia to brief draft-room disappointment, and now to professional redemption on a high-profile WNBA franchise.

 

For South Carolina, it’s validation: the Gamecock brand resonates beyond the NCAA, feeding pro success and enhancing national reputation. For the Valkyries, Hall is a championship-tested addition, primed to contribute under the spotlight.

 

And for Bree Hall herself, the journey continues—this time under Chase Center lights. If her history predicts the future, Gamecock fans and WNBA viewers alike are in for something special.