Last Updated on October 10, 2026 by Candida Lucia

Nick Nurse is an American professional basketball coach and the head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA. Born on July 24, 1967, in Carroll, Iowa, Nurse became internationally recognized after leading the Toronto Raptors to their first NBA championship in 2019. Beyond his successful coaching career, he comes from a large, sports-loving family whose influence helped shape his competitive personality and passion for basketball.
Nick Nurse’s wife is Roberta Santos Nurse, a Brazilian former volleyball player and coach from Recife, Pernambuco. Nurse has three sons: Noah Nurse, from a previous relationship, and Leo and Rocky Nurse, whom he shares with Roberta. His parents were the late Maury and Marcella Nurse, who raised nine children in Iowa. Nick is the youngest of six brothers and three sisters. His older brother Steve Nurse, a longtime University of Northern Iowa athletics employee, died in April 2026.
Who Is Nick Nurse’s Wife?
Nick Nurse is married to Roberta Santos Nurse, a Brazilian former college volleyball player, assistant coach, and sports enthusiast.
Originally from Recife, the capital of Pernambuco in northeastern Brazil, Roberta developed an interest in volleyball during her youth.
She later moved to the United States to pursue educational and sporting opportunities, eventually establishing a successful college volleyball career.
Roberta played for Florida Gulf Coast University, where she became an accomplished setter and earned recognition in the Atlantic Sun Conference.
Following her playing career, she worked in collegiate volleyball coaching, including positions at the University of Texas at Brownsville and Winthrop University.
Her involvement in competitive sports helped establish a connection with Nick Nurse, who was working as a professional basketball coach when they met.
The couple have maintained a relatively private marriage while occasionally appearing together at basketball games and events in Brazil.
How Did Nick Nurse Meet Roberta Santos?
Nick Nurse met Roberta Santos while both were working in professional and collegiate sports in the United States.
During a July 2024 interview on the Must Know People podcast, Nurse explained that they met while he was coaching the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, an NBA Development League team based in Texas.
At the time, Roberta was working as a volleyball coach at the University of Texas at Brownsville.
Their professional responsibilities placed them in the same region, creating an opportunity for their relationship to develop.
Both understood the demanding schedules associated with competitive sports, including frequent travel, practices, games, and recruiting responsibilities.
Nurse later explained that Roberta’s coaching background helped her understand the pressures he experienced during NBA seasons.
In particular, he praised her calm personality and ability to remain composed during stressful situations.
Although Nurse is known for his emotional reactions on the basketball court, he has described Roberta as someone who remains relaxed even when games become intense.
Their shared interest in sports continues to be an important part of their marriage.
When Did Nick Nurse and Roberta Santos Get Married?
Nick Nurse and Roberta Santos married in 2015, according to published biographical reporting.
Several profiles identify their wedding date as September 26, 2015, although their original marriage announcement has not been widely reproduced by major sports publications.
Following their marriage, the couple built a family while Nurse continued his coaching career in Toronto.
Roberta supported his progression from Raptors assistant coach to head coach, including the team’s historic 2019 NBA championship.
After Nurse joined the Philadelphia 76ers in 2023, the family began another chapter of life connected to professional basketball.
Despite his demanding schedule, the coach has frequently emphasized the importance of spending time with his wife and children.
Where Is Nick Nurse’s Wife From?
Roberta Santos Nurse is from Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
Her Brazilian heritage has created a strong cultural connection between the Nurse family and northeastern Brazil.
In a 2019 interview with Globo’s SporTV, Nick discussed how Portuguese was frequently spoken in his household.
He explained that his wife’s Brazilian relatives helped him become familiar with the language and culture.
His mother-in-law, identified in the report as Maria, also spent time with the family in Toronto.
According to the interview, the household sometimes used notes containing English and Portuguese words to assist communication.
Nurse has also developed an appreciation for Brazilian food, music, and sporting traditions.
His connections to Brazil have continued throughout his professional coaching career.
Roberta Santos Nurse’s Volleyball Career
Before becoming widely known as Nick Nurse’s wife, Roberta Santos enjoyed a successful volleyball career.
She represented Florida Gulf Coast University as a setter and helped the Eagles compete successfully during their transition from NCAA Division II to Division I.
According to Winthrop University’s official athletics biography, Roberta recorded 1,475 assists during her two seasons at Florida Gulf Coast.
She was named to the All-Atlantic Sun First Team twice and helped the program win two conference titles.
Her achievements established her as an important member of the university’s volleyball program.
She graduated from Florida Gulf Coast in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in Resort and Hospitality Management.
She subsequently earned a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Texas at Brownsville in 2010.
Her academic achievements reflected an interest in professional development beyond playing volleyball.
Roberta Santos Nurse’s Coaching Career
After completing her playing career, Roberta became involved in college volleyball coaching.
She worked as an assistant coach at the University of Texas at Brownsville for approximately five seasons.
During that period, she helped organize practices, manage team activities, support recruiting, and develop offensive systems.
Her responsibilities included coaching setters and improving the team’s attacking organization.
In February 2010, Roberta was recognized by the American Volleyball Coaches Association as one of its Thirty Under 30 award recipients.
The recognition highlighted her potential as a promising young volleyball coach.
In June 2014, she was appointed an assistant volleyball coach at Winthrop University in South Carolina.
Her responsibilities included coaching setters and supporting the program’s international recruiting efforts.
Although she later moved away from full-time collegiate coaching, her sporting experience has remained an important part of her relationship with Nick.
Nick Nurse and Roberta’s Visit to Brazil in 2026
One of the family’s most notable recent public appearances took place in August 2026, when Nick Nurse visited Recife with relatives.
On August 18, Nurse attended a Brazilian football match between Náutico and Ceará at Estádio dos Aflitos.
The visit attracted attention because Roberta is originally from Recife and supports Náutico.
According to an official statement published by Clube Náutico Capibaribe on August 19, Nick attended the game with family members and friends.
The couple’s sons, Leo and Rocky, also participated in activities organized by the club.
They entered the field with Náutico’s players before the match and received a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium.
The family was presented with personalized gifts and club merchandise.
Náutico won the match, making the evening particularly memorable for the visiting family.
The appearance demonstrated Nurse’s continuing relationship with his wife’s Brazilian hometown.
It was not his first visit to the region. In September 2022, he traveled to Recife during the FIBA AmeriCup and participated in basketball coaching activities.
How Many Children Does Nick Nurse Have?
Nick Nurse has three sons: Noah, Leo, and Rocky Nurse.
He personally confirmed this information during a July 2024 interview on the Must Know People podcast.
Noah is his eldest son from a previous relationship, while Leo and Rocky are his younger sons with his wife, Roberta.
This distinction is important because some older biographies incorrectly describe Nurse as having only two children.
During his 2024 interview, Nurse explained that Noah was approximately 20 years old, Leo was seven, and Rocky was five.
He also discussed their different interests and how family life had influenced his personal priorities.
Noah Nurse – Nick Nurse’s Eldest Son
Noah Nurse is Nick Nurse’s eldest son, born from a relationship before his marriage to Roberta Santos.
According to a September 2020 report by The Canadian Press, Noah is Nurse’s son from a previous relationship.
During the July 2024 Must Know People interview, Nick revealed that Noah was approximately 20 years old and completing a professional internship in Washington, D.C.
He explained that his eldest son had developed a strong interest in politics and government.
At the time, Noah was participating in an internship at the White House.
His interests therefore differed considerably from his father’s professional basketball career.
Rather than pursuing sports as his primary career, Noah was exploring opportunities connected to public service and political institutions.
Nick spoke positively about his son’s ambitions and demonstrated pride in his professional development.
Although Noah has occasionally been mentioned in interviews, his personal relationships and later career decisions have not been extensively documented in reliable public reporting.
Leo Nurse – Nick Nurse’s Second Son
Leo Nurse, also identified as Leonardo in Brazilian reporting, is Nick Nurse’s son with his wife, Roberta Santos.
Leo was born in 2017 and is the older of the couple’s two children together.
During his early childhood, Leo lived in Toronto while his father worked with the Raptors.
He experienced the excitement surrounding the team’s historic NBA championship in 2019, although he was too young to understand the full significance of the achievement.
In September 2020, Nurse discussed how difficult it was to spend time away from his young children during the NBA’s COVID-19 bubble season.
At the time, Leo was approximately three years old.
During his July 2024 interview, Nurse described Leo as an enthusiastic participant in several sports.
He explained that his son had played ice hockey while living in Toronto and was also interested in baseball.
Nurse emphasized that he wanted his children to enjoy sports without feeling pressured to pursue professional athletic careers.
Leo also accompanied his parents and younger brother to Brazil in August 2026, where he participated in the pregame activities organized by Náutico.
Rocky Levi Nurse – Nick Nurse’s Youngest Son
Rocky Levi Nurse is the youngest son of Nick Nurse and Roberta Santos.
He was born in May 2019, during the Toronto Raptors’ historic championship season.
His arrival came shortly before the Raptors defeated the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals.
As a result, Rocky was born during one of the most successful periods of his father’s coaching career.
During his July 2024 interview, Nurse revealed that he had named his son Rocky years before the family moved to Philadelphia.
The coach jokingly pointed out that the name had not been chosen as a reference to the famous fictional Philadelphia boxer Rocky Balboa.
At the time of the interview, Rocky was approximately five years old.
Like his older brother, he has generally remained outside the public spotlight.
However, the two boys occasionally accompany their parents to public sporting events.
In August 2026, Rocky joined Leo and other family members during their visit to Recife, Brazil.
How Nick Nurse Balances Coaching and Fatherhood
Professional basketball coaches spend substantial amounts of time traveling during the NBA season.
For Nick Nurse, those responsibilities became particularly challenging after welcoming two young sons with Roberta.
During the 2020 NBA playoffs, teams were required to remain in a controlled environment at Walt Disney World because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In September 2020, Nurse discussed the difficulties that coaches and other team employees experienced while being separated from their families.
He acknowledged that several people working inside the NBA bubble were missing their children and partners.
However, he explained that he would probably not have brought his own family into the environment because of the unusual circumstances.
In 2024, Nurse again discussed fatherhood during his hometown podcast interview.
He explained that his younger sons were not yet deeply involved in professional basketball but enjoyed other sporting activities.
He also expressed hope that they would develop interests in music, athletics, and activities they could enjoy throughout their lives.
His comments suggested that he wanted his children to explore their own ambitions rather than feel obligated to follow his coaching career.
Who Are Nick Nurse’s Parents?
Nick Nurse’s parents were Maury Nurse and Marcella Nurse, who raised nine children in Carroll, Iowa.
His father worked for the United States Postal Service and became actively involved in youth sports, while his mother was a teacher who valued education, music, and family activities.
The couple married on June 30, 1952, in Churdan, Iowa.
According to Marcella’s official obituary, they initially lived in Owosso, Michigan, before returning to Carroll in 1954.
The family eventually became well known throughout the community because of the children’s sporting achievements.
Nick Nurse’s Father: Maury Nurse
Maury Nurse was Nick Nurse’s father and an important influence on his early interest in sports.
He worked for the United States Postal Service and eventually became postmaster in Carroll, Iowa.
In addition to his postal career, Maury participated in numerous community sporting activities.
According to a detailed Sportsnet profile published in 2018, he coached youth basketball and supported Little League baseball.
He also served as president of a local Little League program.
With nine children to support, Maury frequently worked additional jobs to help provide for the household.
Sports Illustrated reported that he sometimes painted houses during weekends to supplement his income.
Despite his demanding schedule, he remained involved in his children’s sports and extracurricular activities.
His dedication helped establish a strong sporting culture within the family.
How Maury Nurse Introduced Nick to Basketball
Maury Nurse’s involvement in local sports meant that Nick grew up surrounded by basketball, baseball, football, and other athletic activities.
As the youngest of nine children, Nick frequently watched his older brothers compete.
His father also encouraged him to participate in organized sports.
During an extensive October 2024 interview with The Philadelphia Inquirer, Nick described Maury as a hardworking and straightforward person.
He explained that his father emphasized honesty and personal responsibility.
Those values later influenced Nick’s approach to coaching professional basketball players.
Rather than avoiding difficult conversations, Nurse became known for communicating directly with athletes and holding them accountable.
His father’s example helped establish those habits during childhood.
Maury Nurse died in 2015, after approximately 63 years of marriage to Marcella.
Nick Nurse’s Mother: Marcella Nurse
Marcella A. Nurse, born Marcella Shoemaker, was Nick Nurse’s mother.
She was born on June 4, 1924, near Churdan, Iowa.
Marcella developed an interest in education during her youth and eventually pursued a teaching career.
According to her obituary, she attended Mount Mercy College and Iowa State Teachers College before beginning work as an educator.
Her early teaching assignments included rural schools in Iowa.
After marrying Maury Nurse, she continued working in education, including substitute teaching.
She also worked as an Avon representative while raising the couple’s children.
Marcella enjoyed music, theater, cooking, and community activities.
Her interests helped create a household where artistic expression was encouraged alongside competitive sports.
How Marcella Nurse Influenced Nick’s Personality
Marcella Nurse played an important role in developing her youngest son’s interests beyond basketball.
She encouraged him to participate in music and other creative activities.
During childhood, Nick learned to play musical instruments, including piano and guitar.
He later maintained those interests while pursuing a professional basketball coaching career.
In his October 2024 interview with The Philadelphia Inquirer, Nurse described his mother as someone who maintained a positive attitude even during difficult circumstances.
He believed that her optimism had influenced his own ability to remain confident when facing professional challenges.
His mother’s interest in music also contributed to his later performances alongside established musicians.
During his time with the Toronto Raptors, Nurse appeared onstage with Canadian rock band Arkells and other musical performers.
Those experiences demonstrated how his mother’s influence continued beyond his childhood.
Marcella died on December 11, 2018, at the age of 94, in Carroll, Iowa.
Her death occurred during Nick’s first season as head coach of the Toronto Raptors.
Several months later, he led the franchise to its first NBA championship.
Does Nick Nurse Have Siblings?
Yes. Nick Nurse grew up with eight siblings: five older brothers and three older sisters.
His brothers were Jim, Dan, Tom, Ken, and Steve Nurse.
His sisters were Susan, Michelle, and Maureen Nurse.
Their identities are documented in Marcella Nurse’s December 2018 obituary and in reporting by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Nick was the youngest of the family’s nine children.
Growing up with eight older siblings created an intensely competitive environment that influenced his interest in sports.
Jim Nurse – Nick Nurse’s Eldest Brother
Jim Nurse is Nick Nurse’s eldest brother.
According to a 2018 Sportsnet profile, Jim was born approximately 14 years before Nick.
As the eldest son, Jim was already involved in competitive sports when his youngest brother was born.
The family’s athletic achievements helped establish a tradition that Nick eventually followed.
Jim was also among the six sons who served as pallbearers at their mother’s funeral in December 2018.
Although Jim has generally maintained a private professional life, his role as the eldest sibling forms an important part of the family’s history.
Dan Nurse – Nick Nurse’s Brother
Dan Nurse is another older brother of Nick Nurse.
He grew up in Carroll, Iowa, alongside the family’s other children.
Like his brothers, Dan participated in the competitive sporting environment encouraged by their father.
The Philadelphia Inquirer identified him among the five older brothers whose athletic achievements helped influence Nick’s development.
Dan was also listed as one of Marcella Nurse’s surviving sons in her 2018 obituary.
Further details about his individual professional career and personal activities have not been extensively documented in major sports publications.
Tom Nurse – Nick Nurse’s Brother
Tom Nurse is one of Nick Nurse’s older brothers and was reportedly among the most talented athletes in the family.
In an October 2024 interview with The Philadelphia Inquirer, their brother Ken recalled Tom’s exceptional ability to throw a football.
Tom played football during his younger years and attracted attention because of his passing ability.
His achievements helped establish the family’s reputation for producing talented athletes in Carroll.
Like several of his brothers, Tom attended Kuemper Catholic High School, where sports were an important part of student life.
His experiences provided another example for Nick as he developed his own sporting ambitions.
Ken Nurse – Nick Nurse’s Brother
Ken Nurse is another of Nick Nurse’s older brothers.
He has participated in interviews discussing the family’s childhood and sporting achievements.
During a 2024 Philadelphia Inquirer feature, Ken recalled how the brothers frequently competed in football, baseball, basketball, and other sports.
He also discussed Nick’s natural athletic ability and interest in competition.
According to Ken, the family’s sporting culture was not limited to organized teams.
The brothers regularly challenged one another through games and activities around their home.
Those experiences helped the youngest child develop confidence and competitiveness from an early age.
Steve Nurse – Nick Nurse’s Late Brother
Stephen Paul “Steve” Nurse was Nick Nurse’s older brother and a longtime athletics employee at the University of Northern Iowa.
He was born on July 28, 1963, in Carroll, Iowa.
Steve attended Kuemper Catholic Schools before developing a career supporting college athletics.
He became particularly well known for his work as an equipment manager at the University of Northern Iowa.
His responsibilities included assisting athletic teams with equipment and logistical needs.
Steve was also closely involved in the family’s sporting traditions.
In a 2018 Sportsnet interview, he recalled how the Nurse brothers created a makeshift pole-vaulting area in their backyard using old equipment and household materials.
The brothers regularly competed against one another, helping develop Nick’s competitive personality.
What Happened to Nick Nurse’s Brother Steve?
Steve Nurse died unexpectedly on April 29, 2026, at the age of 62, in Carroll, Iowa.
His death was confirmed by family obituary notices and reported by the Associated Press and Reuters.
The tragedy occurred during the Philadelphia 76ers’ 2026 NBA playoff campaign.
At the time, Nick Nurse was coaching Philadelphia through an intense postseason series.
Despite the difficult circumstances, he continued fulfilling his coaching responsibilities before traveling to Iowa for his brother’s funeral.
The service took place on May 5, 2026, in Ankeny, Iowa.
According to Associated Press reporting, Nurse temporarily left the 76ers between playoff games to attend the funeral.
New York Knicks coach Mike Brown publicly expressed condolences to Nurse and his family.
Steve’s death represented a significant personal loss for the coach, particularly because the brothers had maintained connections through their shared love of basketball and their Iowa upbringing.
Susan Morrissey – Nick Nurse’s Sister
Susan Morrissey is one of Nick Nurse’s older sisters.
She is identified as Susan Nurse Morrissey in family records, including Marcella Nurse’s obituary.
Susan grew up in Carroll with her brothers and sisters before establishing an adult life outside the family’s hometown.
Although she has generally remained outside media coverage of her brother’s NBA career, she is a documented member of the large Nurse family.
Reliable details about her personal professional background are limited.
Michelle Nurse – Nick Nurse’s Sister
Michelle Nurse is another older sister of Nick Nurse.
Her name appears in Marcella Nurse’s official obituary, confirming her relationship to the coach.
Michelle grew up in the same Carroll household that became known for its emphasis on sports, education, and music.
Like Susan, she has maintained a relatively private personal life.
Her individual career and personal relationships have not been extensively discussed in major sports interviews.
Maureen Nurse – Nick Nurse’s Late Sister
Maureen Nurse was Nick Nurse’s older sister.
According to Marcella Nurse’s official obituary, Maureen died in 2008, several years before the deaths of her parents.
Her name is included in the family’s memorial records, confirming that she was one of the nine children born to Maury and Marcella.
Although additional information about her personal life is limited, her inclusion is important when accurately identifying Nick Nurse’s siblings.
As of October 2026, both Maureen and Steve have died, while the other six siblings have not been publicly reported deceased in the sources reviewed.
Nick Nurse’s Nephew: David Nurse
Another family member with connections to professional basketball is David Nurse, Nick Nurse’s nephew.
David has worked as a basketball skills trainer, performance coach, author, and motivational speaker.
His professional experience includes working with basketball players and pursuing opportunities connected to NBA player development.
According to a 2018 Sportsnet profile, David previously worked with the Brooklyn Nets and later became a personal trainer for professional players.
He also participated in interviews discussing his uncle’s coaching ambitions and professional development.
David recalled that Nick had long believed he could become an NBA head coach, even during periods when he was working in smaller basketball leagues.
His comments demonstrated the confidence and determination that family members had observed throughout Nick’s coaching career.
How Nick Nurse’s Family Influenced His Basketball Career
Nick Nurse’s basketball career began in Carroll, Iowa, where he grew up surrounded by older siblings who enjoyed competitive sports.
His father coached youth teams, while his brothers participated in football, baseball, basketball, and track and field.
As the youngest child, Nick regularly competed against older and physically stronger opponents.
Those experiences helped him develop confidence, resilience, and a desire to improve.
He attended Kuemper Catholic High School, where he became an outstanding multi-sport athlete.
In basketball, Nurse helped Kuemper win the 1985 Iowa Class 3A state championship.
He was also an accomplished football player, baseball player, and pole vaulter.
His versatility earned him statewide recognition during his senior year.
He eventually accepted a basketball scholarship to the University of Northern Iowa, where he played from 1985 to 1989.
During his college career, he developed a reputation as an outstanding three-point shooter.
According to Philadelphia 76ers records, Nurse finished his college career shooting 46.8 percent from three-point range, a school record at the time.
He also earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
Nick Nurse’s Coaching Journey From Iowa to the NBA
Nick Nurse began coaching shortly after completing his college basketball career.
He initially worked as a student assistant at Northern Iowa before traveling overseas to pursue professional opportunities.
In 1990, he joined the Derby Rams of the British Basketball League as a player-coach.
He subsequently returned to Iowa and became head coach at Grand View University at just 23 years old.
His career later included coaching positions in England, Belgium, and the United States.
During his years in the British Basketball League, he won championships and earned Coach of the Year recognition.
He later joined the NBA Development League, where he coached the Iowa Energy and Rio Grande Valley Vipers.
Under his leadership, Iowa won the 2011 D-League championship, while Rio Grande Valley secured the title in 2013.
Those achievements helped him earn an NBA coaching opportunity.
Nick Nurse’s NBA Championship With Toronto
In 2013, Nick Nurse joined the Toronto Raptors as an assistant coach.
He spent five seasons working under head coach Dwane Casey before being promoted to head coach in 2018.
His first season in charge became one of the most successful in franchise history.
Led by Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Lowry, Pascal Siakam, and other key players, Toronto reached the 2019 NBA Finals.
The Raptors defeated the Golden State Warriors in six games, winning the franchise’s first NBA championship.
The achievement came during a significant period in Nurse’s personal life.
His mother, Marcella, had died in December 2018, and his youngest son, Rocky, was born during the 2019 playoffs.
Those family experiences added personal significance to his professional success.
Nurse subsequently received the 2020 NBA Coach of the Year award.
He remained Toronto’s head coach until 2023.
Nick Nurse’s Move to the Philadelphia 76ers
On June 1, 2023, the Philadelphia 76ers officially introduced Nick Nurse as their new head coach.
The appointment made him the 26th head coach in franchise history.
Philadelphia selected Nurse because of his championship experience, defensive creativity, and reputation for player development.
During his first season, the team finished with a 47–35 record.
The 76ers subsequently experienced a more challenging 2024–25 campaign before returning to the playoffs in 2026.
According to the team’s official coaching biography, Nurse guided Philadelphia to a 45–37 record during the 2025–26 season.
The team advanced beyond the first round of the playoffs, marking its return to the Eastern Conference semifinals.
As of October 2026, Nurse continues serving as Philadelphia’s head coach.
Nick Nurse’s Family Connections to Iowa and Brazil
One of the most distinctive aspects of Nick Nurse’s personal life is the family’s connection to two different countries and sporting cultures.
His childhood was rooted in Carroll, Iowa, where his parents emphasized community involvement, education, and competitive sports.
His wife Roberta, meanwhile, grew up in Recife, Brazil, where volleyball and football are important parts of local sporting culture.
The couple’s relationship introduced Nick to Brazilian traditions, including Portuguese-language conversations and visits to Pernambuco.
In addition to supporting basketball, the family has developed an interest in Brazilian football through Roberta’s connection to Náutico.
Their August 2026 appearance at Estádio dos Aflitos provided a public example of those cultural connections.
Nick has also maintained close relationships with his hometown in Iowa.
In February 2024, he purchased Carroll National Golf Club after learning that the facility was at risk of closing.
He subsequently invested in improvements and participated in activities aimed at preserving the course for local residents.
He has also organized youth basketball camps in Carroll, helping younger athletes develop their skills.
His continuing involvement in community sports reflects the values established by his parents during childhood.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nick Nurse’s Family
Who is Nick Nurse’s wife?
Nick Nurse’s wife is Roberta Santos Nurse, a Brazilian former volleyball player and college assistant coach from Recife, Pernambuco.
Is Nick Nurse married?
Yes. Nick Nurse is married to Roberta Santos Nurse. Published biographical reports identify their marriage as taking place in 2015.
How did Nick Nurse meet his wife?
Nick Nurse met Roberta while coaching the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in Texas. At the time, she was working as a college volleyball coach at the University of Texas at Brownsville.
Where is Nick Nurse’s wife from?
Roberta Santos Nurse is from Recife, Pernambuco, in northeastern Brazil.
Did Nick Nurse’s wife play volleyball?
Yes. Roberta played college volleyball at Florida Gulf Coast University before becoming an assistant coach at the University of Texas at Brownsville and Winthrop University.
How many children does Nick Nurse have?
Nick Nurse has three sons named Noah, Leo, and Rocky. He confirmed all three during a July 2024 interview.
Who is Nick Nurse’s oldest son?
His oldest son is Noah Nurse, who was approximately 20 years old in July 2024 and was completing an internship in Washington, D.C., at the time.
Who is the mother of Nick Nurse’s oldest son?
Noah was born from a relationship before Nick Nurse’s marriage to Roberta Santos. The identity of Noah’s mother has not been reliably established in the reporting reviewed.
Who are Nick Nurse and Roberta’s children?
Nick and Roberta have two sons together: Leo, born in 2017, and Rocky Levi, born in 2019.
Why did Nick Nurse name his son Rocky?
During a 2024 interview, Nurse explained that he chose the name Rocky before moving to Philadelphia. It was not selected because of the city’s famous fictional boxer.
Who is Nick Nurse’s mother?
His mother was Marcella A. Nurse, a former schoolteacher born on June 4, 1924. She died on December 11, 2018, at the age of 94.
Who is Nick Nurse’s father?
His father was Maury Nurse, a former postmaster in Carroll, Iowa, who coached youth sports and supported local Little League activities. He died in 2015.
How many siblings does Nick Nurse have?
Nick Nurse grew up with eight older siblings: five brothers named Jim, Dan, Tom, Ken, and Steve, and three sisters named Susan, Michelle, and Maureen.
Who are Nick Nurse’s brothers?
His five older brothers are Jim Nurse, Dan Nurse, Tom Nurse, Ken Nurse, and the late Steve Nurse.
Who are Nick Nurse’s sisters?
His sisters are Susan Morrissey, Michelle Nurse, and the late Maureen Nurse, who died in 2008.
What happened to Nick Nurse’s brother Steve?
Steve Nurse died unexpectedly on April 29, 2026, at the age of 62. Nick temporarily left the 76ers during the NBA playoffs to attend his brother’s funeral in Iowa.
Was Steve Nurse involved in basketball?
Yes. Steve Nurse worked for many years as an athletics equipment manager at the University of Northern Iowa.
Who is Nick Nurse’s nephew?
David Nurse is a nephew of Nick Nurse who has worked as a basketball skills trainer and performance coach.
Is Nick Nurse related to Kia Nurse?
No publicly established family relationship connects Nick Nurse to Canadian professional basketball player Kia Nurse. They share a surname but come from different documented families.
Where was Nick Nurse born?
Nick Nurse was born on July 24, 1967, in Carroll, Iowa, United States.

Candida Lucia is a sports journalist and NBA writer specializing in tactical game analysis, player development, and league coverage. With an eye for on-court execution and team dynamics, she delivers detailed breakdowns of strategy, roster updates, and key performance trends. Passionate about bringing readers closer to the game, Candida offers engaging insights on every aspect of the NBA season, from regular-season battles to the Finals.
