Born in Anaheim to Gary and Debra Nakase, both second-generation Japanese Americans.
Natalie Nakase was born on April 18, 1980, in Anaheim, California. Her parents, Gary and Debra Nakase, are both second-generation Japanese Americans. Growing up in a culturally diverse environment, Nakase was influenced by the competitive sports culture prevalent in her community. This would later become a key factor in her passion for and commitment to basketball.