The Seattle Storm have named New York Liberty assistant Sonia Raman their new head coach, securing her with a multiyear contract.
The appointment is a historic milestone for the WNBA, as Raman becomes the first head coach of Indian origin in league history. This follows her previous trailblazing role as the first Indian-American woman to serve as an NBA assistant coach during her 2020-2024 tenure with the Memphis Grizzlies. She spent the past season with the Liberty.
Raman takes the helm from Noelle Quinn, who was dismissed on September 21, three days after the Storm were eliminated by the eventual champion Las Vegas Aces in the first round of the playoffs. In five seasons as head coach, Quinn compiled a 97-89 record.
This marks Seattle’s first comprehensive coaching search since hiring Dan Hughes in 2017. General Manager Talisa Rhea stated last month that the organization was looking for a leader to “establish a new identity” and build a team that can “compete for years to come.”
One of Raman’s immediate challenges will be navigating a pivotal offseason. Storm All-Stars Skylar Diggins, Nneka Ogwumike, Brittney Sykes, and Gabby Williams are all set to become unrestricted free agents, with a new collective bargaining agreement expected to increase salaries league-wide.
However, the roster includes a key foundational piece in center Dominique Malonga, the second overall pick in the 2025 draft, who earned All-Rookie team honors last season. With Raman’s hiring, her former team, the New York Liberty, is now the only WNBA franchise without a head coach.
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