SAN FRANCISCO — Julie Vanloo returned to the Bay Area with no baggage, just a suitcase full of life lessons. 

Just over a month after the Valkyries controversially waived the 32-year-old Belgian point guard, Vanloo stepped back into Chase Center – a place where she instantly became a fan favorite in her short time with the expansion team – but this time as a member of the Los Angeles Sparks. 

While she has made peace with how everything has played out, Vanloo said she is still growing from the heartbreak she felt when the Valkyries ultimately decided to move on from her. 

“I was at peace even the day after it happened because honestly, I’m just the type of person that likes to keep it moving,” Vanloo said prior to Saturday’s game against the Valkyries. “At the end of the day, it’s a business and I do respect that. I’m just happy to be in L.A. But I’m an emotional person for sure, so it’s touchy to be back.”

After leading the Belgian national team to a EuroBasket championship in July, the Valkyries cut Vanloo while she was flying back to San Francisco. Vanloo missed the Belgian national team’s celebration parade and found out she was waived when she landed at San Francisco International Airport. 

Golden State Valkyries’ Julie Vanloo (35) dribbles against Minnesota Lynx’s Natisha Hiedeman in the third quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, June 1, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group) 

Vanloo publicly shared how heartbroken she was over the situation on a post on Instagram. 

“To hear 1 hour upon arrival: we have to waive you. Honestly, that stung,” Vanloo said in an Instagram post following her release. “I understand it’s business, but nothing prepares you for the loneliness that comes with getting cut. It feels like the whole world suddenly crashes on your shoulders.”

At the time, the Valkyries had to make some tough decisions as the team was playing well without its EuroBasket departures. The team ultimately decided to sign rookie point guard Kaitlyn Chen for the rest of the season over keeping Vanloo. 

At the time of Vanloo’s release, Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase said it was one of the toughest decisions the franchise had to make. On Saturday, Nakase said she was happy to see Vanloo, but emphasized that the league needs to create more roster spots so that teams won’t have to cut talented players. 

Golden State Valkyries’ Kaitlyn Chen #2 inbounds the ball to teammate Julie Vanloo #35 in the fourth quarter of their WNBA pre-season game against the the Los Angeles Sparks at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group) 

“Am I a proud parent that a lot of my players from training camp landed a job? Hell yeah,” Nakase said. “We need more roster spots. These girls deserve roster spots.”

For Vanloo, coming back to the Bay Area still stings a little. 

“I don’t think I actually processed it, I’m not gonna lie,” Vanloo said. “Everything went by so fast. Like I had to pack my bags and clean up my whole apartment. … I think today is going to be a part of that process. I just want to play basketball and have fun while I’m playing. And I’m very happy in L.A. honestly.”

Vanloo played in nine games with the Valkyries, averaging 4.6 points and 4.1 assists while shooting 29.2% from the field. Valkyries’ fans introduction to the second-year guard came when she hit a flurry of 3-pointers in the third quarter during Golden State’s season opener against the Sparks. 

She’s found a role with Sparks as a backup point guard to superstar Kelsey Plum, playing in just over 10 minutes a game. 

“She’s been phenomenal,” Sparks coach Lynne Roberts said. “I love the flair she plays with. She can flat out shoot it. She’s played a lot of basketball. … She’s been a steady, great person.”

Vanloo will try to help the Sparks make a push for the playoffs after a sluggish start to the season. Los Angeles came into Saturday’s game 8-2 in their previous 10 games and tied with the Valkyries for the final playoff spot. 

“I try to help as much as I can,” Vanloo said. “(The Sparks) let me shoot as much as I want. … I feel really good. They made me feel at home. They were very understanding of what the situation was, and welcomed me with open arms. Great organization. I’m very good with a coach, and I’m obviously happy.”

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Former Stanford star happy to be back

Cameron Brink made a name for herself at Stanford as an All-American center. She was taken second overall in the 2024 draft by the Sparks, but tore her ACL after just 15 games

She made her return at the end of July and has been a big factor in the Sparks’ recent success. 

Playing the Valkyries on Saturday, Brink said she was happy to be back in the Bay Area. 

“I think wherever you go to college, you’re kind of from there too. I mean, I spent four years here, and when we went out as a team (at Stanford), it was in San Francisco. So this is like my second home.”