Warriors' Brandin Podziemski a loud and proud big brother to upstart Valkyries

Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski jumps as he cheers for the Valkyries as they play the Seattle Storm at Chase Center last Sunday. (Carlos Avila Gonzalez/S.F. Chronicle)

Chase Center sellouts are a testament to the fervent support Bay Area fans have for the Golden State Valkyries, and all eyes are on the "sixth women" when games begin.

The Golden State Warriors guard has missed only two of the team's 10 home games in its inaugural season. One of those absences came as Podziemski flew home to celebrate his sister's high school graduation. Podziemski has made it his mission to continue showing up, donning a different Valkyries jersey and contributing to the crowd's roar. 

"What kicked it off was just seeing their support for us during the year, when the team was put together, seeing them in the suites, in the stands for most of our home games," Podziemski told the Chronicle. "The support that they all show for us, it's only right that we reciprocate the energy and I know a lot of our guys are out doing things, but since I'm here, I'm all for support."

Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski was an animated fan during the Valkyries' 88-77 win against Indiana Fever at Chase Center last month. (Scott Strazzante/S.F. Chronicle)

Podziemski is not the only member of the Warriors organization who has shown up for the Valkyries. Head coach Steve Kerr has supported the team at games, as has general manager Mike Dunleavy.

"We're a city, we're one," said Podziemski. "We're all together, and so to have basketball here at Chase Center year round is a blessing, for us, for the fans, for the city. But like Mike Dunleavy said … ‘They're sisters to us, we're brothers to them.' And, so, we can kind of just build this thing up together, where we're both winning championships. I mean, what's better than that?"

Warriors draft pick Alex Toohey sat beside Podziemski last Sunday during the Valkyries game against the Seattle Storm. Every game, Podziemski launches Valkyries T-shirts into the stands, and on Sunday, Toohey helped him. 

Warriors guard Stephen Curry also made his Valkyries debut during Golden State's victory over Seattle. His presence didn't escape the attention of the players on the court.

Warriors guard Stephen Curry and his daughter Ryan cheer along with family and friends in their box in the second half as the Valkyries played the Seattle Storm at Chase Center last Sunday. (Carlos Avila Gonzalez/S.F. Chronicle)

"Oh, yeah, we noticed Steph was there," guard Kate Martin told the Chronicle. "I mean, they show people on the video board, and, you know, as much as you try to stay locked into the game, you notice things like that. And so we just appreciated that. It just means a lot to us."

Podziemski has become intrinsic to fan culture at Valkyries games, celebrating after they score and mimicking officials when opposing teams are called for fouls. Most notably, he gestured the referee's traveling signal when Fever guard and WNBA standout Caitlin Clark was called for a violation while attempting a step-back 3-pointer on June 19. He also paid homage to Curry's night-night gesture as Golden State defeated Indiana 88-77. 

By wearing a different Valkyries jersey at the games, Podziemski aims to give every Golden State player a chance to get their name out to fans. 

Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski signals traveling on the Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark (22) in the fourth quarter of the Valkyries' 88-77 win at Chase Center on June 19. (Scott Strazzante/S.F. Chronicle)

"I got every player's jersey that's on the team, so I'm going to try to be at as many home games as there are jerseys for me," said Podziemski. "I know attention is on me when I'm out there, so to rep a different player's jersey, it might inspire somebody to go and buy that jersey and in turn help the Valkyries in total. Anything we can do to support them, that's what we should do." 

Podziemski is determined to continue building a culture of unity between the Warriors and Valkyries, as are the Valkyries with their NBA brothers.

"I think it's super important to build your counterparts up and support one another," said Martin. "And so we're lucky that we get to play for such a good organization where we want to support one another." 

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