Dave Nakama was appointed as head baseball coach of the Spartans in September 2012.
Under Nakama, the Spartans posted the fourth-highest batting average (.286), the third-highest fielding percentage (.972) and the second-fewest errors (58) in the Western Athletic Conference in 2013 and the second-highest fielding percentage (.970) in the Mountain West in 2014.
Nakama came to San Jose State from the University of Washington, where he was the associate head baseball coach for three seasons. In a 20-plus year college coaching career, the Honolulu, Hawai'i native has 13 seasons of experience in the Pac-12 Conference divided between Washington (2010-12) and Stanford (1997-98, 2002-09).
A proven talent developer, Nakama has seen 79 of his former players drafted professionally. Of those, 22 have gone on to play in the major leagues, including current big-leaguers Jason Castro, John Mayberry Jr., Carlos Quentin and Jed Lowrie.
Four times since 2002, Baseball America rated Stanford's recruiting classes in the top 10 nationally. Baseball America and Collegiate Baseball ranked Washington's 2012 class among the best in the West.
In his 10 seasons at Stanford, the Cardinal won four Pac-10 Championships, five NCAA Regional crowns and appeared in the College World Series four times (1997, 2002, 2003, and 2008).
During Nakama's tenure, Stanford recorded their five best defensive seasons, including a program high .977 fielding percentage in 2005.
Nakama has head coaching experience at San Jose's Mission College (1992-96) and three seasons at San Francisco State (1999-2001). In five seasons at Mission College, his teams qualified for the 1995 and 1996 California Community College state championships. He was the 1996 Coast Conference Coach of the Year.
The 1984 graduate of Willamette University in Salem, Ore., earned his master's degree from the University of Northern Colorado in 1986. As a college player, Nakama was an infielder for the Willamette Bearcats.
He began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Northern Colorado in 1984 and worked at the University of Iowa, Yavapai College (Prescott, Ariz.) and DeAnza College.
Nakama has three children: Samantha, Kirk and Brodie.
What Others Are Saying
Brendan Domaracki
Arizona Diamondbacks, Assistant Scouting Director
"He has seen great players, he has coached and developed great players, and he has gone to the postseason with great teams. He's honest, he's respectful and he understands the challenges that Division I athletes face in today's world. I couldn't be happier for Dave in his new position and I look forward to watching his inevitable success."
Kyle Peterson
ESPN College Baseball Analyst
"First and foremost, I consider Coach Nakama a friend. Many have a great knowledge of the game, few have the ability to consistently take that knowledge and transfer it to young athletes. Dave has that rare combination. He is energetic and competitive, and his coaching stops and history have proven his value to those around him. He will make an outstanding head coach at San José State."
Lindsay Meggs
University of Washington, Head Coach
"Coach Nakama is not only a great teacher but he is also a great motivator, and that's why his players overachieve. Dave brings out the very best in all his players both on and off the field. If you want to go to a regional, get your degree and develop the skills needed to play professional baseball, you want to play for Dave Nakama."