Sonia Raman Appointed New Head Coach of Seattle Storm: Sources
Sonia Raman has been appointed as the new head coach of the Seattle Storm, marking a significant transition for the WNBA franchise. This development comes after her tenure as an assistant coach with the New York Liberty, where she played a crucial role in the team’s offensive strategy.
Sonia Raman’s Coaching Journey
Raman’s career in coaching spans over a decade. Before joining the Liberty, she served as the head coach at Division III MIT from 2008 to 2020. Her success at MIT led to an assistant coaching role with the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies from 2020 to 2024.
During her time with Memphis, Raman was well-regarded among her colleagues and observed some practices of the Seattle Storm, preparing for her future role within the organization.
First Indian-descent WNBA Head Coach
With this appointment, Raman becomes the first head coach of Indian descent in WNBA history. She replaces Noelle Quinn, who held the coaching position from 2021 to 2025.
Responsibilities and Expectations
One of Raman’s primary responsibilities will be developing the young talent of the Storm, particularly focusing on 2025 No. 2 pick Dominique Malonga, who is emerging as a rising star in the league. Under her leadership, the Storm will aim to enhance their game strategy, especially in crunch time scenarios.
Recent Team Performance
The Storm faced challenges last season, finishing with a 14-15 record in games decided in the clutch. Their net rating in these critical moments was minus-12, the second-lowest among playoff teams.
Upcoming Offseason Challenges
As the offseason approaches, the Storm are set to explore changes to their roster. Key players such as Nneka Ogwumike, Skylar Diggins, Gabby Williams, and former All-Star Ezi Magbegor could become free agents. Their future decisions will be crucial for the team’s competitive strategy.
Future Prospects
Raman’s familiarity with the Pacific Northwest is a plus. Her wife, Milena Flores, a former WNBA player, has strong ties to the area. As the Storm look to rebuild and improve, Raman’s leadership will be essential in guiding the team towards future successes.
- Appointment: Sonia Raman as head coach of Seattle Storm
- Previous Role: Assistant coach at New York Liberty
- Coaching History: Over a decade, including MIT and Memphis Grizzlies
- First Indian-descent WNBA head coach
- Key Player Development: Dominique Malonga
- Team Performance: 14-15 in clutch games last season
