Sonia Raman, new Storm head coach: Indian Pioneer in the WNBA

SEATTLE – Talisa Rhea, Seattle Storm’s general manager, introduced Sonia Raman as the team’s new coach at a press conference on Wednesday, a week after her official appointment. Rhea highlighted Raman as “a pioneer” in her opening speech.

From the first conversation with Sonia, it was clear that there was a true connection and the potential for a wonderful partnership. Sonia is a pioneer, and learning about her journey and career to Seattle was truly moving. Furthermore, her vision for us and where we could go was very exciting.

Talisa Rhea

Raman makes history in the WNBA by being the first person of Indian descent to be a head coach, after being the first Indian-American woman to be an assistant in the NBA during her four seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies. In addition, Raman was part of a select group as a full-time assistant coach in the NBA, after spending 12 seasons as a head coach of women’s basketball in the MIT Division III program. Breaking down barriers is something Raman doesn’t take lightly.

It is a great honor and a privilege to be here and hold that position. It is also a great responsibility. I have said it before: I am the first, but I don’t want to be the last… I am doing everything I can to create these opportunities, open these doors, or simply allow the next generation to see what is possible.

Sonia Raman

Rhea explained that the Storm conducted an “extensive” interview process with a diverse group of candidates to replace Noelle Quinn, whose contract was not renewed after five years at the helm and a 97-89 record. When conducting her first full coaching search, as Quinn was promoted from assistant coach when Dan Hughes retired mid-season, Rhea was enthusiastic about the interest she found in coaching in the WNBA in general and in the Seattle position in particular. From that group, Raman stood out.

On the court, Sonia is a leader in player analysis and development, two critical areas as our game continues to grow and evolve. She is innovative, forward-thinking, and committed to the development of players both individually and as a group.

Talisa Rhea

The analysis and development of players were areas of focus for Raman during his time in Memphis. After making the jump to coaching professionally for the first time with the Grizzlies, Raman spent last season as an assistant with the New York Liberty. Raman’s ability to build relationships with the players was also important to Rhea.

There was an immediate alignment on how, first of all, he approaches relationships, which is where we always start. That is the foundation of how we can move forward and how we can connect with the players and really bring out the best in them, individually and as a team, as we try to build and move forward, that stood out.

Talisa Rhea

While making her own history, Raman also follows in the footsteps of reigning Coach of the Year, Natalie Nakase, who became the first Asian-American head coach in WNBA history last October with the Golden State Valkyries. Like Raman, Nakase was an assistant coach in the NBA before joining the WNBA coaching ranks. She spent three years with Becky Hammon as an assistant with the Las Vegas Aces before leading the Valkyries to a playoff spot in their inaugural season, the first WNBA expansion team to achieve the feat.