SEATTLE – Talisa Rhea, general manager of the Seattle Storm, introduced Sonia Raman as the new coach of the team at a press conference on Wednesday. Rhea highlighted Raman as a “pioneer” in women’s basketball.
Raman makes history in the WNBA by being the first person of Indian descent to be a head coach. Previously, she was the first Indian-American woman to be an assistant in the NBA during her four seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies. Raman also was part of a select group as a full-time assistant coach in the NBA, after spending 12 seasons as the head coach of women’s basketball in MIT’s Division III program.“It was clear from the first conversation we had with Sonia that there was a real connection and the potential for a wonderful partnership. Sonia is a pioneer, and learning about her path and her professional career to get to Seattle was truly moving. Also, her vision for us and where we could go was very exciting.”
Talisa Rhea
Rhea revealed 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 of the team and a 97-89 record. When conducting her first full search for coaches, Rhea was excited by the interest she found in coaching in the WNBA in general and in the Seattle position in particular. From that group, Raman stood out.“It’s a tremendous honor and a privilege to be here and play that role. It’s also a great responsibility. I’ve said it before: I’m the first, but I don’t want to be the last. I’m doing my best to create these opportunities, open these doors, or simply allow the next generation to see what is possible.”
Sonia Raman
“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 RheaThe analysis and development of players were areas of focus for Raman during his time in Memphis. After making the jump to professional coaching 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 she approaches, first and foremost, 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 collectively as a team, as we try to build and move forward, that stood out.”
Talisa Rhea
