Newton native Veronica Burton has made the most of her time with the WNBA’s newest franchise — the Golden State Valkyries.

After averaging 12.7 minutes per game in a bench role for the Connecticut Sun in 2024, Burton elevated her game as a lineup stalwart with the Valkyries — starting all 44 games and playing a vital role in helping Golden State become the first WNBA expansion franchise to advance to the playoffs in their inaugural season.

For her efforts, the former Newton South and Northwestern standout took home the 2025 WNBA Most Improved Player Award on Monday.

The 25-year-old Burton won the award in a landslide, receiving 68 of 72 votes from a national panel of sportswriters and broadcasters.

Over her 44 games with Golden State, Burton posted career highs in points (11.9), assist

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