Natalie Nakase, coach of the U.S. women's national volleyball team, the Valkyries, discusses her ties to Southern California.
In the '80s, Natalie Nakase, the trailblazing WNBA coach of the Golden State Valkyries, was honing her skills on a basketball court in Orange County, echoing the rhythm of the game each night. Alongside her sisters, she tallied scores for her father's Japanese American pickup basketball games. Gary Nakase, the league co-founder, often brought his three daughters to these gatherings, ensuring they learned the sport analytically[5].
"If you go play basketball two times a week, you're taking the three little girls," Nakase fondly recalled her mother saying, as they traded weekends for hoops[5].
Basketball was an unyielding constant in the Nakase family household. Gone were the sleepovers and holidays — replaced by the sport's unflagging demands[1].
"I thought that was my normal childhood," she mused. "Now I look, and he was training me for this moment."
Having left a lasting impact as a player, Natalie Nakase carved a trailblazing path as a coach, becoming the first Asian American to hold the position in the WNBA[2]. But prior to her coaching career, she had already established herself as an exceptional basketball player. Her elder sisters, Nicola and Norie, starred at Marina High School in Huntington Beach, with Nicola graduating before Natalie began as a freshman[1].
Bucking convention, head coach Pete Bonny was initially unconvinced that Natalie would make the varsity team, claiming, "I don't put freshman on varsity." Intriguingly, more than 25 years later, Bonny visited the school to rediscover the success he had fostered there[1].
Resisting the hype, Bonny initially remained skeptical of the youngster he had yet to see play. As he watched two teams practice in June before the new school year, the seeing became believing[1].
"I watched for about 45 seconds and I said, 'Number 11, you're going to be on this side for the next four years,'" Bonny admitted, recalling his first impression of Nakase. The high school years brought challenging practices and countless victories, transforming one of basketball's most promising young talents into a seasoned player[1].
In 1998, Marina High School finally clinched a CIF Section Title, and Natalie was named both the Los Angeles Times and Orange County Register's County Player of the Year[1].
When reflecting on her significance to the '98 team, Bonny chuckles, "That was really the epitome of a team...She was the choreographer." The diminutive point guard ruled the court with an iron will, emerging as the all-time leader in career assists, steals, and three-point shots made[1].
From the hallowed halls of Marina to the storied grounds of UCLA, her college career flourished before a professional stint took her even further[1].
As she began her coaching career, Nakase observed a familiar spirit in Bonny, realizing the impact her mentor had left on her[5].
"Him giving up his time, I think that has impacted me," she acknowledged[5].
Fast-forward to 2024, and Bonny joined forces with Nakase once more, as they reunited at Marina High School to retire Nakase's jersey. This honour was a testament to her legacy and the enduring impact she made on the program[2].
Since then, her, a hero to countless young basketball players in Southern California, continues to represent her basketball roots on a national stage, shielded by the dreams and passions she's followed[5].
"I would have never thought that going after my passion and doing it as a job would ever inspire people," a humbled Natalie reflected. "It means the world that I can impact someone by just following my passion."
- Golden State Valkyries
- Basketball
- WNBA
Enrichment Data:
Overall:
Natalie Nakase's high school basketball career at Marina High School played a pivotal role in shaping her path to becoming the first Asian American WNBA coach[5]. Key contributions from her high school experience include:
- Early Success and Leadership: At Marina High School, Natalie led her team to its first CIF-SS title in 1998, earning her Orange County Player of the Year. This success early in her career developed her leadership skills and instilled a sense of achievement, which are essential qualities for a coach[1][2].
- Jersey Retirement: She became the first girls basketball player to have her jersey retired at Marina High School, a testament to her impact and legacy at the school. This recognition underscores her contributions to the team and reflects her influence on future generations of players[2].
- Family Influence and Support: Her father, Gary Nakase, co-founded a Japanese American basketball league, which exposed her to the sport from a young age. This family support helped foster her passion for basketball, preparing her for both her playing and coaching careers[5].
- Overcoming Adversity: Despite facing challenges due to her height and ethnicity, Natalie's determination and self-belief, cultivated by her family, helped her navigate these obstacles. This resilience is crucial for success in both playing and coaching roles[1].
- Foundation for College and Professional Career: Her high school achievements laid the groundwork for her college career at UCLA and subsequent professional endeavors. Her experience as a player set the stage for her transition into coaching, ultimately leading to her historic role as the first Asian American WNBA coach[1][5].
- Natalie Nakase, the first Asian American coach in the WNBA, played basketball extensively during her formative years, including participating in her father's pickup games, echoing a lifelong love for the sport.
- A key period in Nakase's journey was her high school years at Marina High School, where she led her team to win a CIF Section Title in 1998 and became the Orange County Register's County Player of the Year.
- Even before excelling as a coach, Nakase had established herself as an accomplished basketball player, with her elder sisters preceding her in Marina High School basketball stardom.
- As a student at UCLA and later in her professional career, Nakase has continued to make strides in the field of basketball, culminating in her becoming a coach for the WNBA's Golden State Valkyries.
