Teiko Nishi is an American former women's basketball player. She played for the UCLA Bruins each year from 1985 until 1988.[1] In 1987, Nishi, from North Torrance, California, was the only Asian American woman playing Division I basketball in southern California.[2]
Nishi was heavily active in the Japanese American basketball leagues in Southern California throughout her childhood, and became a starter at North Torrance High School.[3] While at North High, Nishi led her squad to CIF playoffs in her senior year, losing to Cheryl Miller's Riverside Poly in the playoffs.[3]
While playing AAU basketball during the off-season, Nishi was heavily recruited by major universities nationwide, finally choosing UCLA over USC. In her career at UCLA, Nishi played with Jackie Joyner-Kersee, defeating the Cheryl Miller-led USC dynasty twice in their 1984-85 season.[4]
After graduating from UCLA Nishi coached girls' basketball in South Torrance, California.[5]