Seattle, WA — October 24, 2025
Sonia Raman has been named the new head coach of the Seattle Storm, making WNBA history as the first person of Indian descent to lead a team in the league. She is also the only current WNBA head coach who is a woman of color. Raman’s appointment follows the dismissal of Noelle Quinn, who served as head coach for five seasons. Raman has agreed to a multiyear contract with the Storm, bringing a wealth of experience from her diverse coaching background.
A Storied Coaching Career
Raman’s coaching journey began at Tufts University, where she played as a walk-on guard before transitioning into coaching. She served as an assistant coach at Tufts and Wellesley College before becoming the head coach of the MIT women’s basketball team in 2008. During her 12-year tenure at MIT, she became the program’s winningest coach and led the team to its first two conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances.
In 2020, Raman made history by becoming the first Indian-American woman to serve as an assistant coach in the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies. She worked with the team for four seasons, focusing on scouting, player development, and analytics. Following her time in the NBA, Raman joined the New York Liberty as an assistant coach in 2025.
A Vision for the Storm
As head coach of the Seattle Storm, Raman inherits a team that placed seventh in the league last season and is in the midst of a rebuilding phase. General Manager Talisa Rhea expressed confidence in Raman’s ability to establish a new team identity and build chemistry among the players. Raman is expected to focus on developing young talent, including rookie Dominique Malonga, and fostering a positive team culture.
A Trailblazer in Coaching
Raman’s appointment marks a significant milestone in the representation of women of color in professional sports leadership. Her diverse background and leadership qualities align with the Storm’s commitment to inclusivity and innovation. Raman’s journey from a walk-on player to a trailblazing coach serves as an inspiration to aspiring coaches and athletes worldwide.
The Seattle Storm are poised for a new era under Raman’s leadership, with a focus on development, inclusivity, and excellence.
