Inaugural Head Coach at Golden State Valkyries; WNBA Coach of the Year & Three-Time WNBA Champion; First Asian American Head Coach in WNBA History

San Francisco, CA, USA
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Natalie Nakase Biography

Natalie Nakase is a professional basketball coach and the inaugural head coach of the Golden State Valkyries of the Women's National Basketball Association. Nakase is the first Asian American head coach in WNBA history and has been recognized as WNBA Coach of the Year. She led the Golden State Valkyries to 23 regular season wins during their inaugural campaign, setting a WNBA single-season record for an expansion team. Under Nakase's leadership, the Valkyries became the first expansion franchise to reach the playoffs in their inaugural season and went on to win a WNBA championship. Previously, she won two championships as an assistant coach for the Las Vegas Aces.

Nakase played college basketball for the UCLA Bruins, earning honorable mention as an all-conference player in the Pacific-10. As a third-generation Japanese American, she became the first Asian American to play in the National Women's Basketball League. She was the first woman basketball player to have her jersey retired by Marina High School in Huntington Beach, California, the first woman to become a head coach in the men's B.League in Japan, and the first woman to coach in the NBA Summer League.

Nakase began her coaching career internationally, starting as head coach for the Wolfenbüttel Wildcats in the Women's Professional Basketball German League. She then served as an assistant coach for the Tokyo Apache in the Men's Professional Basketball Japan League and later became head coach for the Saitama Broncos, marking the first time a woman served as head coach in the league. In the NBA, Nakase started as a video coordinator intern with the Los Angeles Clippers before advancing to assistant coach, spending 10 seasons in various roles with the Clippers and their G League affiliate, Agua Caliente Clippers.

Nakase joined Golden State with 16 years of professional coaching experience, including three seasons as first assistant coach with the Las Vegas Aces, where she also served as lead scout for college and international athletes. Valkyries leading scorer and All-Star Kayla Thornton has noted Nakase's impact on the team, emphasizing the confidence Nakase instills in players. Nakase became the first Asian American head coach to win a WNBA title, leading the Valkyries to a championship in their second season. Her career spans the NBA and WNBA, reflecting her experience in basketball coaching, player development, and leadership in professional sports.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 11/02/2026.

Natalie Nakase Videos

Natalie Nakase on WNBA Expansion, Clark vs. Reese, Breaking Barriers

Natalie Nakase on WNBA Expansion, Clark vs. Reese, Breaking Barriers

Just one day after she was hired as the franchise's first head coach ever, Natalie Nakase of the Golden State Valkyries joins FOS reporter Colin...

Golden State Valkyries Press Conference: Head Coach Natalie Nakase

Golden State Valkyries Press Conference: Head Coach Natalie Nakase

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  • How do I book Natalie Nakase to speak at my event?

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  • What are the speaker fees for Natalie Nakase

    Speaking fees for Natalie Nakase, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Natalie Nakase are available upon request for live events and available upon request for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Natalie Nakase, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Natalie Nakase speak about?

    Natalie Nakase is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Asian & Pacific Heritage, Basketball, Empowerment, Influential Women, Personal Growth, Sports, Sports Coaching, Sports Motivation, Women's Empowerment
  • Where does Natalie Nakase travel from?

    Natalie Nakase generally travels from San Francisco, CA, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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Natalie Nakase is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Natalie Nakase for your event is available upon request. Natalie Nakase generally travels from San Francisco, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Kara Wang, Bernice Chao, Donna Orender, Ann Meyers Drysdale and Gia Kim. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Natalie Nakase for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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