Sonia Raman, WNBA Pioneer: Storm Introduces Her as Coach

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, a week after Raman was officially hired. Rhea highlighted Raman as “a pioneer”.

It was clear from the first conversation we had with Sonia that there was a true alignment and the potential for a wonderful partnership. Sonia is a pioneer, and learning about her path and her professional career to get here to Seattle was truly moving. In addition, her vision for us and where we could go was very exciting.

Talisa Rhea, General Manager of the Seattle Storm

Raman makes history in the WNBA as the first person of Indian descent to be a head coach, after being the first Indian-American woman assistant in the NBA during her four seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies. Raman was also one of the few full-time female assistant coaches in the NBA, having joined the Grizzlies after spending 12 seasons as a head coach of women’s basketball in the MIT Division III program. Raman does not underestimate the importance of breaking barriers.

It’s a great honor and a privilege to be here and to be in 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, coach of the Seattle Storm

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 job 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 player development, both individually and collectively as a group.

Talisa Rhea, General Manager of the Seattle Storm

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 he approaches, first and foremost, relationships, which is where we always start. That being the basis of how we can move forward and how we can connect with the players and really get the best out of them, individually and collectively as a team, as we try to build and move forward, that stood out. And then, his background and experiences, I think, just bring a different perspective that we haven’t had here.

Talisa Rhea, General Manager of the Seattle Storm

While making her own history, Raman is also following 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 served as 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.