The Golden State Valkyries announced today that they have signed center Elissa Cunane to a training camp contract.

Cunane, a 6-5 center, is currently playing for BK Žabiny Brno of the Czech Women's Basketball League, averaging 11.4 points and 7.6 rebounds in the 2024-25 season. Cunane made her WNBA debut with the Minnesota Lynx in 2022, where she appeared in three games. She was drafted by the Seattle Storm in the second round (17th overall) in the 2022 WNBA Draft.

Cunane was a member of the USA Basketball 2021 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup gold medal team, where she earned All-Star honors averaging 12.8 points and 8.0 rebounds.

"Elissa has been an exciting player to watch throughout her career," said Valkyries General Manager Ohemaa Nyanin. "Her game translates to both ends of the floor, and she has consistently shown she can make an impact whether it's through scoring, rebounding, or creating for her teammates.”

At North Carolina State, Cunane was named an AP and USBWA Second Team All-American and WBCA All-American in 2022. She was also a finalist for the Lisa Leslie Award and named to the John R. Wooden Award National Ballot during her senior season.

"Elissa is a high-IQ player who understands how to play the right way and will always put the team first,” said Head Coach Natalie Nakase. "She's fierce on the glass, creating extra possessions, and has the ability to space the floor. That combination of basketball intelligence and skill makes her an exciting addition to our frontcourt."