Vanessa Hutchinson-Szekely

Vanessa Hutchinson-Szekely is a San Francisco-born PE teacher, writer and mindfulness guide with French roots, founder of Big Belly Breathing, and co-host of Valkyries, Say Less. She’s hoping to help meditation go viral and loves talking about women’s sports, The City and curating field trips. Explore her “City Counselor” series for local neighborhood deep dives. IG: @bigbellybreathing AND @valkyriessayless websites: https://www.bigbellybreathing.com/ AND https://www.valkyriessayless.com/

While the Giants Were Being Homophobic, the Valkyries Were Hosting the Gayest Night in Sports History

Jul 1, 2026

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7 min read

While the Giants Were Being Homophobic, the Valkyries Were Hosting the Gayest Night in Sports History

Ballhalla has always been the most authentically queer space in Bay Area sports. But with the Giants' homophobia controversy as a backdrop, this year's Pride Night at Chase Center hit different — a gleeful, sequined, laser-lit reminder of what inclusion actually looks like when a team means it.

Raina Mast, +1

More Than a Fan Base: How Ballhalla Is Becoming the Soul of the Bay

May 29, 2026

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8 min read

More Than a Fan Base: How Ballhalla Is Becoming the Soul of the Bay

In a political moment defined by division, Ballhalla is loud, joyful, and unapologetically Bay Area — and it's just getting started

Raina Mast, +1

The Valkyries Gave Us the Most Powerful Mother’s Day Imaginable

May 13, 2026

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5 min read

The Valkyries Gave Us the Most Powerful Mother’s Day Imaginable

From pregnant players to moms in the nosebleeds, Ballhalla turned Mother’s Day into a joyful celebration of women, family, and the power of showing up for each other.

Raina Mast, +1

Notes from the Nosebleeds: The Valkyries Preseason Opener

Apr 30, 2026

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8 min read

Notes from the Nosebleeds: The Valkyries Preseason Opener

“Valkyries, Say Less” podcast: To educate ourselves, and listeners, about the back stories and player profiles of this special team and with every episode, we fell in love with each Valk’s story and remarkable talents (plural).

Raina Mast, +1

From Rikki’s to Chase Center: SF Powers the Women’s Sports Boom

Apr 22, 2026

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7 min read

From Rikki’s to Chase Center: SF Powers the Women’s Sports Boom

This is what progress looks like. Women’s sports finally get their due.

Raina Mast, +1

On the Picket Line, I Rediscovered the San Francisco That I Love

Feb 17, 2026

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6 min read

On the Picket Line, I Rediscovered the San Francisco That I Love

After a historic week on the picket lines, a teacher reflects on solidarity, working-class San Francisco, and why supporting teachers means supporting students.

Vanessa Hutchinson-Szekely

SF Bay Area