A turbine nozzle segment includes a radially-inner endwall, a radially-outer endwall, a pair of airfoil-shaped vanes extending between the radially-inner endwall and the radially-outer endwall, and respective reinforcing ribs extending between the pressure and suction sidewalls of the vanes. The back face of the radially-inner endwall and/or the back face of the radially-outer endwall has a pocket formed therein in an area between the pressure sidewall of the first vane and the suction sidewall of the second vane to enhance stiffness distribution between the second vane and the radially-inner endwall and/or radially-outer endwall.