Appointed in October 2024 as the head coach of the Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA’s shiny new expansion team, Natalie Nakase has already netted a major first: she’s the league’s first Asian American head coach. And in a way, it can be traced back to her dad. “My dad is a huge sports fan, but he loves basketball,” Nakase shared. “He loved it, so it was a chance for me to bond with my dad. I just instantly kind of fell in love with the sport, and he just watched and played all the time, too.”
Though injury shortened her playing career, Nakase stayed with the game, joining the front office. From an intern at the LA Clippers team’s video coordinator to player development coach at the franchise, Natalie has stepped on every stage, gaining experience. The 45-year-old coach’s journey has been incredible right from the start. Now, as the Valkyries gear up for their 2025 debut, fans and curious Googlers alike have been on a fast break to learn everything about her—where she was born, her roots, her beliefs, and yes, whether she’s more of a zone defense or full-court press kind of thinker.
Where was Natalie Nakase born? What’s her nationality?
Natalie Mitsue Nakase was born on April 18, 1980, in Anaheim, California, United States. She was the youngest of three daughters to Gary and Debra Nakase. She grew up in a supportive family environment that nurtured her love for basketball from age six. “I fell in love with this sport when I was six. I played every day, that’s all I knew,” she recalled during her introductory press conference with the Golden State Valkyries.
Her parents were members of the second generation of Japanese descent in the United States, making Natalie a third-generation Japanese-American in the country. Her birthplace in California establishes her as an American citizen by birth, and there is no evidence to suggest she holds dual citizenship or has renounced her U.S. nationality.
Bildnummer: 05077226 Datum: 31.10.2009 Copyright: imago/Hübner
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Image number 05077226 date 31 10 2009 Copyright imago Hübner BC Wildcats Wolfenbüttel Trainer Natalie Nakase women Basketball ger BL 2009 2010 Wolfenbüttel Portrait Vdig xsk 2009 Square
With the large population of Japanese Americans in and around Huntington Beach, where Nakase spent most of her childhood, she was immersed in a community that celebrated its roots. She recalls her early years in the country, “Starting something like that really gave me a sense of being a Japanese American and having kind of like a second family”. The close bonding and cultural pride helped in the development of her basketball career.
Having grown up in California, and now having a chance to bring accolades to California, she was beyond excited. “I just love the diversity here in California,” Nakase said. “When you work in sports you get to bring all these people together from different walks of life. As much as I love basketball, I also learned I created all my best relationships through basketball. Bringing people together, especially winning a championship, and to do that in California, that’s going to be more special.”
Which high school did Natalie Nakase attend?
Growing up close to Huntington Beach in California, Natalie Nakase attended Marina High School in the vicinity, where she emerged as a standout basketball player despite her small stature of 5-foot-2. The youngster played at the point guard position during her playing days and led her team to two Sunset League titles. She finished her high school career setting school records for three-pointers, assists, and steals. She was also a leader in career assists for Marina High School.
Natalie played a crucial role in the school’s first California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section title. The title won in 1998 earned Natalie the Orange County Player of the Year by the Orange County Register and the Los Angeles Times. Despite her achievements, she was often overlooked by college recruiters.
What is Natalie Nakase’s ethnicity and religion?
As mentioned earlier, the Valkyries’ coach, Natalie Nakase, is a third-generation Japanese-American. While Nakase’s ethnicity and nationality are often highlighted, specific details about her religious beliefs are not publicly available.
The post What Is Natalie Nakase’s Ethnicity? Digging Deeper Into Golden State Valkyries’ Coach’s Nationality and Religion appeared first on EssentiallySports.