Julie Vanloo's Emotional Goodbye After Valkyries Waiver Shocks WNBA Fans
- Cassie Chantel
- Jul 1
- 2 min read
Two days after achieving the pinnacle of European basketball glory, Julie Vanloo’s world was turned upside down. Fresh off winning gold at Eurobasket, Vanloo returned stateside only to be waived by the Golden State Valkyries within 24 hours—an emotional whiplash that she candidly unpacked in a heartfelt Instagram post.
The veteran guard shared how her whirlwind journey back to the Bay, an 18-hour travel stretch, ended not with celebration, but with solitude. Missing the fan ceremony and the chance to share her championship moment with loved ones added another layer of pain. “Honestly, that stung,” she wrote. “It feels like the whole world suddenly crashes on your shoulders.”
Despite the abrupt end, Vanloo expressed deep gratitude for her time with the Valkyries. She reflected on the energy at “Ballhalla” (Chase Center), the love from fans wearing her jersey, and the magic of being part of a team that felt like home. “The Bay Area was truly my vibe,” she said.
Vanloo’s farewell was more than a goodbye, it was a love letter to the game, her teammates, and the Valkyries community. She thanked the organization for believing in her, recalling the emotional weight of being drafted and realizing a lifelong dream. “When it hurts this much to be waived, it means it was something truly special,” she said.
To her teammates, she wrote with emotion: “I have tears in my eyes writing this. This team is filled with incredible, beautiful souls.”
Now facing the uncertainty of free agency, Vanloo remains optimistic, closing her message with a nod to resilience and hope: “Please know your messages have helped me keep going… and keep believing in myself, and in new beginnings.”
Vanloo’s words are a sobering reminder of the emotional rollercoaster that professional athletes endure. From the highest highs to the lowest lows, her story captures both the heartbreak and beauty of the journey.
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