The Nash name echoes across the arenas of sport, and it conjures images of crisp passes, behind-the-back dimes, and the relentless precision of a point guard who defined an era of NBA basketball. Owner Mat Ishbia announced today that Steve Nash will return to the Phoenix Suns as a senior advisor. But before Nash was a two-time MVP, he was a kid from Victoria with a deep-rooted connection to family, culture, and sport. That legacy begins not in an NBA arena but in the lives of the people who raised him, John and Jean Nash.
Nash grew up in a sports-driven household that relocated to Canada to escape apartheid. His parents’ influence and his siblings’ athletic pursuits built the foundation for a career that changed basketball. By 2018, Nash’s legacy earned him a spot in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, but it all traces back to his family’s roots.
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Who Is Steve Nash’s Father? Meet John Nash
John Nash, an English-born former professional soccer player, laid the athletic groundwork for the Nash family. Playing semi-professionally in South Africa and later for Ashford in England’s Southern League, John’s career took him across continents. “Football was always in the family,” Jean Nash recalled in 2013, noting John’s passion for Tottenham Hotspur, a fandom Steve inherited.
John, a former advertising executive, split time between Victoria, British Columbia, and Phoenix, supporting Steve’s NBA journey. “Steve believes violence should be a last resort,” John said, reflecting on Steve’s 2003 anti-Iraq War stance, showcasing their shared values of conviction and humility.
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Who Is Steve Nash’s Mother? Meet Jean Nash
Jean Nash, born in Swansea, South Wales, grew up in the Clase district before moving to Yorkshire with her family. Her father, Les Hall, was a police constable and later a social worker. Jean married John Nash at age 20 and moved to South Africa together. Jean played netball in her youth and fostered a love for sports in all three of her children. She shares a close bond with Steve and has been by his side through his basketball and philanthropic career.
“Stevie has been to Wales, but only once to see my grandad before he died,” Jean recalled in 2013. She also played a guiding role in encouraging Steve to attach his name to the Steve Nash Foundation, despite his reservations. “He didn’t want people to think he wanted to get attention,” Jean said. “Eventually, he came around to our way of thinking.”
Who Are Steve Nash’s Siblings? Meet Martin Nash and Joann Nash
Steve, now the Suns’ senior advisor, is one of three Nash siblings, and the competitive, athletic edge runs through the entire family. Steve’s younger brother, Martin Nash, carved out a professional soccer career and represented Canada’s national team. He played 10 seasons for the Vancouver Whitecaps, captaining the team and scoring crucial goals, including a memorable free kick against the Portland Timbers in the USSF D-2 Pro League playoffs. In 2010, Martin spoke about his unique bond with Steve during a rare double-feature in Portland, “I don’t think we’ve ever played a (professional) game on the same day in the same city.”
The brothers grew up playing basketball and soccer in Victoria. Martin played as a forward, while Steve was more of a midfielder, both natural playmakers. They even played the same position on the basketball court: point guard. “I was a better shooter and scorer than he was at the time,” Martin once said. “He was a better passer back then. But he’s a damn good shooter now and a lot better all-around player.”
Martin eventually chose soccer over basketball when he was invited to try out for Canada’s U-20 national team.“I had the opportunity and I took it,” said Martin. “It was probably a good thing, I’m a bit short for basketball.”
Likewise, Joann, the eldest Nash sibling, was also a standout athlete. She captained the University of Victoria Vikes women’s soccer team for three years and was named a Canada West All-Star. Joann now lives a quieter life away from the public spotlight but remains part of the close-knit Nash family.
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Steve Nash’s Bond with His Parents
The Nash family’s athletic roots run deep, with John and Jean shaping Steve’s discipline and drive. From Victoria’s courts to global stages, Steve’s parents instilled a love for sports and service. John’s soccer career and Jean’s netball background fueled Steve’s early days in hockey, soccer, and eventually basketball, where he declared at 13 he’d be an NBA star. Their move from apartheid-era South Africa to Canada gave Steve a stable foundation to chase that dream.