News Summary
Sonia Raman has been appointed as the head coach of the Seattle Storm, making history as the first Indian-origin head coach in WNBA history. Her multiyear deal follows a disappointing season for the team and aims to reshape its identity. Raman previously served as an assistant coach with the New York Liberty and the Memphis Grizzlies. With key players entering free agency, the Storm faces challenges ahead but can rely on emerging talents like Dominique Malonga. Raman’s appointment signifies a transformative period for the franchise as they prepare for the future.
Seattle, WA – Sonia Raman has officially become the head coach of the Seattle Storm, marking a historic milestone as the first Indian-origin head coach in WNBA history. Her appointment comes as the organization looks to reshape its identity following a disappointing end to the previous season.
Raman has agreed to a multiyear deal with the Storm after serving as an assistant coach with the New York Liberty. She is not new to breaking barriers in professional basketball, having previously made history as the first Indian American woman to hold an assistant coaching position in the NBA. Raman held that role with the Memphis Grizzlies from 2020 to 2024.
The Storm made the decision to part ways with former head coach Noelle Quinn on September 21, shortly after the team was eliminated by the Las Vegas Aces in the first round of the playoffs. Quinn achieved a record of 97 wins and 89 losses during her five seasons at the helm of the team, leading them to success during championship runs in 2018 and 2020, when she stepped up after Gary Kloppenburg filled in due to Hughes’s health issues during the pandemic-affected season.
Seattle’s general manager, Talisa Rhea, stated that the team needed a strong leader to forge a new direction moving forward, noting the importance of establishing a new identity for the franchise. This coaching change marks the first comprehensive coaching search since Dan Hughes was appointed in October 2017.
As the offseason unfolds, the Storm faces significant challenges ahead, with key All-Stars including Skylar Diggins, Nneka Ogwumike, Brittney Sykes, and Gabby Williams entering unrestricted free agency. The upcoming period will also see the implementation of a new collective bargaining agreement expected to bring increased salaries for veteran players, prompting a potential shift in player dynamics across the league.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding free agency, the Storm can count on promising talent within their roster, particularly the young player Dominique Malonga, who was selected as the No. 2 pick in the 2025 draft and has already made a mark as a member of the All-Rookie team. Her development could play a vital role in the team’s future success.
With Raman’s hiring, the New York Liberty remains the only team in the WNBA actively seeking a head coach. This shake-up comes at a significant time for women’s basketball as the league continues to evolve and grow in popularity across the nation.
Overall, Sonia Raman’s appointment as the head coach of the Seattle Storm represents a moment of historical significance and an opportunity for transformation within the organization. The Storm now looks ahead with renewed hope and ambition as they prepare for the challenges that lie ahead in the coming season.
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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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