Beloved legendary Berkeley High girls' basketball coach Gene Nakamura dies

BERKELEY, Calif. (KGO) -- A longtime East Bay educator and girls basketball coach credited with building one of California's premier public high school basketball programs is being remembered following his death.

Gene Nakamura, affectionately known as "Coach Nak," died on Saturday, according to his family.

Nakamura spent 25 years coaching at Berkeley High School, where he led the Yellowjackets girls basketball program to sustained success. During his tenure, the team won 15 North Coast Section titles, seven Northern California championships and two California state championships.

He retired in 2007 after a coaching career that established Berkeley High as one of the state's top public high school basketball programs.

In 2025, the Golden State Valkyries recognized Nakamura for his contributions and accomplishments in the sport.

His family said a celebration of life will be held at Berkeley High School.

Nakamura is being remembered by former players, students and members of the Berkeley community for his impact on the school's basketball program and generations of student-athletes.