is a former professional volleyball player and former coach of Hisamitsu Springs. She led Japan to a bronze medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics while still in high school and, despite serious and chronic knee injuries, remained one of the world's top setters until her retirement from the sport in 1993. Unusually for a Japanese athlete, Nakada was (and still is) remembered by opponents and teammates alike for her volatile temper, fiery competitiveness, and outspoken manner both on and off the court.

Personal life

After brief stints as a fashion model and motivational speaker, Nakada currently provides colour commentary and makes guest appearances in a wide range of sports and variety media in Japan. She is represented by Sports Biz in Tokyo.

Kumi Nakada

Coaching

In October 2016, Nakada became the Japan women's national volleyball team's head coach. She retired from the position in August 2021, after the team finished in 10th place in the 2020 Summer Olympics.

Kumi Nakada

National team

1982: 4th place in the World Championship

1984: 3rd place in the Olympic Games of Los Angeles

1986: 7th place in the World Championship

1988: 4th place in the Olympic Games of Seoul

1992: 5th place in the Olympic Games of Barcelona

References

External links

Biography (archived)

Kumi Nakada

1965 births

Living people

Volleyball players at the 1984 Summer Olympics

Volleyball players at the 1988 Summer Olympics

Volleyball players at the 1992 Summer Olympics

Olympic volleyball players for Japan

Olympic bronze medalists for Japan

Japanese women's volleyball players

Olympic medalists in volleyball

Asian Games medalists in volleyball

Volleyball players at the 1982 Asian Games

Volleyball players at the 1986 Asian Games

Medalists at the 1984 Summer Olympics

Medalists at the 1982 Asian Games

Medalists at the 1986 Asian Games

Asian Games silver medalists for Japan