Amazing California Sports Experiences

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson explores the wonderful world of sports across the Golden State with three notable experts.

First, Johnson speaks with Natalie Nakase, head coach of the Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA’s newest team making its debut in San Francisco. Nakase, the first Asian American coach in the league’s history,  shares her vision for the team and reflects on the rising momentum behind women’s basketball. She also describes how she hopes to create a dynamic game-day environment at Chase Stadium. "I hope that they come in and they have a great time and it feels like a party that they can't wait to watch, but also not leave," she says. Plus, Nakase shares how she enjoys spending time when she’s not courtside in San Francisco.

Next, Johnson catches up with Benjamin Hill of MLB.com to discuss California’s fun-filled and easily accessible minor league baseball scene. “It's just such a smaller, friendlier world where you can get up close to the field, you can get up close to the players,” says Hill. He then dives into ballpark adventures he’s had across the Golden State, from meeting churro-inspired mascots in San Jose to biting into asparagus-topped hot dogs in Stockton. Hill also highlights recent changes in California’s minor league, including the departure of the Modesto Nuts and the addition of a new team in Ontario.

Finally, Johnson heads to the Palm Springs Surf Club with professional surfer and operations manager Nate Acker. Acker explains how the state-of-the-art facility is bringing wave riding to the desert and giving people of all skill levels a chance to experience the joy of surfing. "We get groups that come in that have never surfed before," he says. "I love that the most because it's so fun to get people in the water and riding waves that have never done it." Acker also details the wide array of sun-soaked activities available to non-surfers at the club.

GUESTS

Natalie Nakase, head coach of the Golden State Valkyries
Benjamin Hill, writer for MLB.com
Nate Acker, operations manager at Palm Springs Surf Club

RESOURCES

Natalie Nakase is the head coach of the Golden State Valkyries, leading the WNBA’s newest team in their exciting inaugural season in San Francisco.

San Francisco
Golden State Valkyries
Chase Center
Elephant Sushi
Thrive City

Benjamin Hill is a writer for MLB.com, exploring minor league ballparks across the country.

San Jose
San Jose Giants
Excite Ballpark
Modesto Nuts
Modesto
John Thurman Field
Stockton Ports
Stockton
Sacramento River Cats
Sacramento
Sutter Health Park
Lake Elsinore Storm
Lake Elsinore
Fresno Grizzlies
Fresno
Inland Empire 66ers
San Bernardino
Ontario
Rancho Cucamonga

Nate Acker is a professional surfer and the operations manager at Palm Springs Surf Club.

Palm Springs Surf Club
Greater Palm Springs
Palm Springs
Palm Springs Surf Club – Surf Lessons
Palm Springs Surf Club – Water Park
Palm Springs Surf Club – Drifters

ABOUT THE HOST

Soterios Johnson, formerly the local host of National Public Radio’s Morning Edition on New York radio station WNYC, has been the host of the California Now Podcast since its inception in 2018.

OUR TEAM

Host, Soterios Johnson
Producer, Kate Eplboim
Technical Producer, Jessica Marshall
Theme music, Aaron Taos