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.
Berkeley Unified School Disrtict released the following statement in response to Nakamura's death:
Berkeley Unified School District is saddened to share news of the recent passing of Gene Nakamura, a longtime Berkeley High School girls basketball coach, BUSD educator, and proud Berkeley High alumnus. Coach Nakamura's impact on generations of Berkeley students, athletes, families, and staff is woven deeply into the history of Berkeley Unified School District, Berkeley High School and the Yellowjackets.
Coach Nakamura's connection to Berkeley High began long before he became known to generations of students and athletes as "Coach Nak." A 1962 Berkeley High graduate, he later earned his teaching credential and began his professional life in the classroom. From 1969 to 2006, Coach Nakamura has served Berkeley Unified students as a teacher, mentor, coach, and administrator.
Coach Nakamura helped build Berkeley High girls basketball into one of California's most respected public-school programs, leading the Yellowjackets to two CIF state championships, multiple Northern California titles, and more than 560 wins.
Yet his legacy extends far beyond records and championships. Through his discipline, consistency, humility, and deep commitment to young people, Coach Nakamura shaped generations of students and helped them understand the value of preparation, teamwork, resilience, and trust. His influence will continue to live on in the many students, athletes, colleagues, and families he touched throughout the Berkeley High and Berkeley Unified community.
The Berkeley Unified School District extends its heartfelt condolences to Coach Nakamura's family, friends, former players, colleagues, and all who were shaped by his teaching and leadership. His legacy lives on in the students he guided, the program he helped build, and the enduring spirit of Berkeley High School.
Once a Jacket, always a Jacket.