Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase’s phone lit up Wednesday morning with a message from general manager Ohemaa Nyanin.

An unexpected text from the boss may trigger anxiety. This is already a pressure-cooker moment for Nakase, with the Valkyries preparing for their historically rapid first Finals appearance starting Saturday in San Francisco against the Dream. She doesn’t need any more stress. 

But Nyanin’s text drummed up quite the opposite reaction. 

“Did you eat?”