News Summary
Sonia Raman has made history by signing a multiyear deal as the head coach of the Seattle Storm, marking her as the first Indian-origin coach in WNBA history. The announcement follows the Storm’s parting with former coach Noelle Quinn. Raman’s coaching career highlights significant strides toward diversity in professional basketball, moving from the New York Liberty to her new role with the Storm. With key players entering free agency, Raman’s leadership will be crucial as the team reshapes its future and aims for success.
Seattle – Sonia Raman has made history by signing a multiyear deal to become the head coach of the Seattle Storm, a move that marks her as the first Indian-origin head coach in WNBA history. The announcement comes after the Storm parted ways with former head coach Noelle Quinn on September 21, following the team’s defeat to the Las Vegas Aces in the first round of the playoffs.
Raman’s coaching career gained momentum as she transitioned from her role as an assistant coach with the New York Liberty. Before that, she notably became the first Indian American woman to serve as an assistant coach in the NBA, working with the Memphis Grizzlies from 2020 to 2024. Her background and accomplishments highlight a significant step forward in diversifying coaching positions within professional basketball.
The Seattle Storm, with a record of 97-89 under Quinn during her five seasons, decided to initiate a complete coaching search to reshape the team’s future. General Manager Talisa Rhea emphasized the importance of bringing in a leader who can establish a new identity for the team, reflecting a need for fresh vision after recent playoff exits. The Storm has a strong legacy, having won WNBA championships in 2018 and 2020, with former head coach Gary Kloppenburg stepping in temporarily during the pandemic season due to Dan Hughes’s medical issues.
As Seattle prepares for the offseason, several key players, including All-Stars like Skylar Diggins, Nneka Ogwumike, Brittney Sykes, and Gabby Williams, will enter unrestricted free agency. This presents the Storm with a critical opportunity to reshape their roster and build upon their successes. The league itself is also entering a new chapter, with an anticipated collective bargaining agreement expected to increase veteran salaries, potentially making it an even more attractive destination for free agents.
In addition to navigating these challenges, the Storm has a promising young talent in Dominique Malonga, who was the No. 2 pick of the 2025 draft and was named to the All-Rookie team. Her continued development will be pivotal as the team looks to blend fresh talent with established stars, especially under Raman’s direction.
Raman’s hiring has now left the New York Liberty as the only WNBA team still searching for a head coach, emphasizing the rapid changes occurring within the league’s coaching landscape. The Storm’s move to hire Raman demonstrates a commitment to innovation and diversity, potentially altering the dynamics of the franchise and the league as a whole.
With her extensive experience and breaking barriers in women’s basketball, Sonia Raman’s appointment as the head coach of the Seattle Storm not only reshapes the future of the team but also signals a progressive shift within the sport, aiming for greater inclusivity and representation at all levels of coaching and management.
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Additional Resources
- CNBC TV18: Sonia Raman Becomes First Indian-Origin Head Coach in WNBA History
- ESPN: Longest Winning Streaks in WNBA History
- AP News: Sonia Raman Hired as Coach of Seattle Storm
- Wikipedia: WNBA
- Sports Illustrated: Diana Taurasi and Penny Taylor
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