Kerri Nakamoto joined Portland State University as associate head coach for the 2025–26 season, serving as a key addition to head coach Karlie Burris’ inaugural staff. Recognized for her extensive experience across multiple levels of collegiate basketball, Nakamoto brings a strong background in player development, defensive strategy, and recruiting. Prior to arriving in Portland, she spent four seasons as an assistant coach at Santa Clara, where she helped guide the Broncos to a 25-win season and a postseason run in the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT). As the program’s defensive coordinator, Nakamoto played a central role in establishing Santa Clara as one of the top defensive teams in the West Coast Conference, while also developing multiple all-conference performers and recruiting award-winning talent.
Before her tenure at Santa Clara, Nakamoto served as head coach at Alaska Fairbanks and Cal State Monterey Bay, building competitive programs with an emphasis on defense, academics, and community engagement. Her coaching journey also includes eight seasons at Cal Poly, where she contributed to the program’s rise as a Big West contender and helped secure its first NCAA Tournament appearance. A former standout player at the University of San Diego, Nakamoto was a two-time all-conference selection and holds school records for three-point shooting. With experience as both a head coach and assistant, along with service on national committees within women’s basketball, Nakamoto brings leadership, insight, and a well-rounded perspective to Portland State’s program.
