Veronica Burton of the Spirit dribbles the ball during the round five WNBL match between Bendigo Spirit and Canberra Capitals (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)
Veronica Burton’s path to the Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA’s expansion draft highlights not only her impact on the court, but also perseverance in her career.
Waived by the Dallas Wings in early June, Burton took full advantage of an opportunity to join the Connecticut Sun, providing a key defensive presence guarding top assignments and a complementary offensive impact on one of the best teams in the WNBA.
In her third season in the WNBA, she’s clearly shown that her skill-set makes her a valuable piece for any successful roster in the league.
As she prepares for the Valkyries' inaugural season, Burton continues refining her game with the Bendigo Spirit in the WNBL.
Finding Her Footing in Connecticut
Burton appeared in 31 games for Connecticut during the 2024 season, averaging 3.1 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists. Her role extended into the playoffs, where she guarded elite opponents, including Indiana Fever rookie standout Caitlin Clark. Reflecting on the season, Burton highlighted the growth she experienced—boosting her confidence to this day.
“Connecticut was definitely a really good fit this past season, and the confidence they gave me was huge,” Burton detailed to RG. “I just knew the system and knew where I was going to get my shots. I think that helped me mentally and with preparation. I put in work in the gym, and I think this league continues to get better each and every year. The transition from college isn't always an easy one. I'm getting more comfortable. Experience plays a big role, and, the more I play, the more comfortable I get.”
Already known for her defensive impact, Burton felt her skill-set was fully maximized plugging into a talented Sun squad. She was trusted to guard top matchups as a member of a unit that collectively took pride in getting defensive stops.
“Defense was something that I've kind of always been associated with. I think my defense has gotten better over the years of being a pro. I think that comes from guarding elite competition every day in practice and in the games,” Burton told RG. “Knowing that was part of my role, especially in Connecticut, just being a defensive stopper. Connecticut, as a whole, took a lot of pride in that. I could really trust the people around me and trust that everyone was going to be in a position that, if I did what I was asked to do, they would back me up.”
One of the standout moments for Burton came when the Sun played at TD Garden in Boston, marking the first WNBA game at the historic venue. For Burton, a Newton, Massachusetts native, the experience was unforgettable.
“Those are the moments you don't forget. Not even just the on-court stuff. That was a big moment for me off the court with my family and something you dream about as a little girl,” Burton told. “Growing up, the Celtics were huge, and Rondo was my all-time favorite player. To play in that same building for the first time in a WNBA game, it's part of history.”
The game was also a family affair, as her sister, Kayla Burton, a former Lehigh basketball guard and current NBC Sports Boston reporter, covered the event as one of her first assignments in her role.
“We won, and that was an incredible experience, but to have my sister covering it as an analyst and reporter, it’s such a full-circle moment,” Burton emphasized. “This is what we dreamed of and worked for so long. It was on my mom's birthday, and both my parents were there. I was really appreciative of it, and it's a moment I'll always have in my heart.”
Getting Drafted by Golden State Valkyries
When the Valkyries selected players in the WNBA’s expansion draft, Burton’s name was among the 11 players chosen to form the foundation of the league’s 13th franchise. She expressed excitement about being part of the Valkyries' inaugural season.
“Just to be a part of this alone is extremely exciting and truly a blessing,” Burton stated to RG. “It’s something I never would have imagined if you had told me a couple of years ago, or even a couple of months ago. It happened so fast. The idea of being a part of an inaugural season is really something special.”
Looking at the franchise’s foundation, Burton has a great early impression of the leadership in the organization. She highlighted first-time head coach Natalie Nakase as having a mindset and approach that resonates with how she plays the game.
“When I look around at who was drafted alongside me and the coaching staff and the GM, it seems like such a good fit,” Burton told. “I see Coach Natalie’s intangibles and the non-negotiables she talks about, and I definitely see myself aligning with it. I think it’s exciting, and I just can’t wait to get on the court.”
With Burton being in Australia, the expansion draft was held across the world, many timezones apart. She did mention she learned of the outcome prior instead of having to learn about it on social media or on the television broadcast.
“I think with each person, it's a little bit different, with each team and how they figured it out,” Burton told. “Connecticut made me aware of my positioning and whether I was protected or not, so I had an idea. That helped me just from a mental perspective, knowing there were no guarantees either way.”
Thankfully, Burton was able to process the information a few hours before it went public.
“The morning of the draft, my agent called, probably around four or five in the morning my time,” Burton told RG. “I did not answer, but I found out early that morning. I probably found out an hour or two before, which I think was helpful in just being mentally prepared.”
Training and Development in the WNBL
Burton continues her development by playing for the Bendigo Spirit in the WNBL, Australia’s top professional league. Through 11 games, she is averaging 14.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.5 steals over 33.0 minutes per game. Her time in the WNBL allows her to stay sharp, gain valuable in-game reps, and refine her skill set during the WNBA offseason.
“It’s been huge for me. Just gaining experience playing professional basketball,” Burton detailed. “The WNBL is different from the WNBA, but it's still extremely competitive, and you learn so much from playing with and against other professionals. I’m always someone that's trying to get better, get in the gym. In years past when I haven't gone overseas, I could do as many drills as I wanted, but being able to replicate what I’m doing in the gym and put that into five-on-five action in games has been huge.”
Burton also gained international experience playing for AZS UMCS Lublin in Poland during the 2023–24 season. These experiences allow her to play a different role, as she continues to work on her game. Having high-intensity five-on-five action allows her to be at her best.
“I’m not doing it for the first time come training camp or the W season,” Burton told RG. “I’m getting actual game reps while also doing a lot of skill work. Having the balance of what I need to key in on and get better at, and how I can implement it in games, has been really huge for me over here in Australia.”
Reflecting on the decision to play overseas, she told, “It’s not an easy decision. There are a lot of factors, but being around good people and the right fit is a big factor for me. I talked to a lot of different people and prayed about it. It’s been a great fit.”
The combination of WNBA and WNBL experiences continues to shape Burton into a versatile, reliable player ready to contribute at the highest level for the WNBA’s newest franchise.
Grant Afseth is a Dallas-based basketball writer with over eight years of experience covering the NBA. He’s spent time on the Mavericks beat for Sports Illustrated and now writes for Sportskeeda.com and DallasHoopsJournal.com. Known for his analysis, engaging interviews, and breaking news coverage, Grant provides a fresh angle to the game.
