WNBATake

Your ultimate destination for electrifying WNBA news!

Natalie Nakase

Natalie Nakase – WNBA News, Rumors & Updates, Stats

Who is Natalie Nakase?

Natalie Nakase is a professional basketball coach and former player, best known for breaking barriers as one of the first Asian-American women to coach in the NBA. She has worked as an assistant coach for the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA and previously served with the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA. Nakase’s career is a story of perseverance, trailblazing representation, and leadership in professional basketball.

Quick Facts

Detail Information
Full Name Natalie Mitsue Nakase
Born April 18, 1980
Hometown Anaheim, California
Height 5 ft 2 in (1.57 m)
Position (as Player) Point Guard
College UCLA (1999–2003)
Playing Career Germany, NWBL
Coaching Career Germany, Los Angeles Clippers (NBA), Las Vegas Aces (WNBA)
Championships (as Coach) 2× WNBA Champion (2022, 2023 – Assistant Coach, Aces)
Notable One of the first Asian-American women to coach in the NBA

Coaching Career

  • Los Angeles Clippers (NBA): Nakase began as an intern video coordinator in 2012 and steadily climbed the coaching ladder. She eventually became an assistant coach, gaining respect for her player development work and attention to detail.

  • Las Vegas Aces (WNBA): In 2022, Nakase joined the Aces’ coaching staff under Becky Hammon. She contributed to the team’s back-to-back WNBA Championships (2022, 2023).

  • International Coaching: Before her NBA career, Nakase coached in Germany’s professional basketball leagues, including serving as a head coach in the men’s second division — a rare accomplishment for women at the time.

Playing Career

  • Played college basketball at UCLA (1999–2003), where she was a three-year starting point guard.

  • Known for her leadership and floor general skills, despite being undersized at 5’2”.

  • Played professionally in Germany and the National Women’s Basketball League (NWBL) in the U.S.

Early Life

Natalie Nakase was born on April 18, 1980, in Anaheim, California.

  • Grew up in Southern California and excelled in multiple sports before focusing on basketball.

  • Became one of the top point guards in her region during high school.

  • At UCLA, she made history as the first Asian-American woman to play for the Bruins and later became team captain.

Impact and Legacy

  • A trailblazer for Asian-American women in basketball coaching, Nakase continues to inspire future generations who aspire to break into male-dominated sports.

  • Known for her basketball IQ, communication skills, and resilience, she is often praised by players and coaches she has worked with.

  • Her coaching path represents persistence — starting as a video coordinator and climbing her way to championship-winning staffs.