Sonia Raman is set to make history as the first person of Indian descent to become a head coach in the WNBA, after agreeing to lead the Seattle Storm, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke to the Associated Press. The deal has yet to be officially announced, though ESPN first reported the news.
Raman joins Seattle after serving as an assistant coach with the New York Liberty for one season. Before that, she spent four years as an assistant with the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA, where she developed a strong reputation for player development and tactical insight. Her appointment marks a groundbreaking moment not only for the WNBA but also for the representation of South Asians in professional sports leadership roles.
Seattle’s coaching vacancy arose after Noelle Quinn was dismissed last month following the team’s early playoff exit against the Las Vegas Aces. With Raman stepping in, New York Liberty now remains the only team in the league without a head coach, as the franchise decided not to renew Sandy Brondello’s contract after their first-round playoff loss to Phoenix. Raman was reportedly a contender for that role as well.
The upcoming season could mark a transitional phase for the Seattle Storm. Several of the team’s key players, including All-Stars Nneka Ogwumike, Skylar Diggins, Gabby Williams, and Brittney Sykes, are expected to become unrestricted free agents. Additionally, a new collective bargaining agreement is likely to reshape player salaries and team dynamics across the league.
Despite these uncertainties, Raman will have the opportunity to build around rising star Dominique Malonga, the No. 2 overall pick from last year’s draft, who showed tremendous promise in her rookie season.
Before entering the professional coaching circuit, Raman spent twelve years at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she led the women’s basketball program from 2008 to 2020. Under her guidance, MIT reached the NCAA Division III Tournament twice, and she remains the winningest coach in program history.
Raman’s journey from collegiate coaching to the NBA and now the WNBA stands as an inspiring example of perseverance and excellence. Her appointment signals a new era for the Storm and serves as a proud milestone for diversity and inclusion in global sports.
