Sonia Raman’s new opportunity in Seattle feels like more than just the next step in her coaching career — it feels like home.

The former New York Liberty assistant coach has been named head coach of the Seattle Storm, marking her first WNBA head coaching position. For Raman, the fit seemed ideal from every angle — personal, professional, and cultural — after years of connections to the franchise and the city.

During past visits to Seattle, Raman spent time attending training camp practices under then-head coach Noelle Quinn, experiences that left a lasting impression. That familiarity, combined with her ties to the area through her wife, made the Storm job one she actively pursued.

“The list goes on and on, I think, in terms of [wanting to be a part of] the organization,” Raman said. “And then Seattle itself as a city, it's a premier women's basketball city: Really rich in tradition, deep support from the fan base. And I actually have really personal ties as well. My wife is from the area, so it's kind of a homecoming for us as well.”

Raman’s wife, Milena Flores, grew up in Snohomish, Washington, which first connected Raman to the Storm community. That local connection opened doors for her to observe the team’s 2024 training camp.

“The Storm have been really welcoming, going back to even the [former coach] Dan Hughes era,” Raman said. “Being able to come in and watch practices … having the type of access I was able to have in 2024 in that training camp, it was really, really special to see the progress that they had made as an organization.”

One moment that stood out was seeing the Storm’s BECU Storm Center for Basketball Performance up close — a major upgrade from their earlier practice space at Seattle Pacific University.

“It certainly didn't hinder their ability to compete and win championships, no matter where they practiced, but getting to see them in that facility — so much more that you can do with that space,” Raman said.

Raman noted that the facility offered more than just amenities.

“Also, just being able to build community, build team bonds by all being in the same building before practice, after practice, treatment — their performance space, just incredible. At the highest level of the league. I really noted that and just how easy it was to connect with everybody there,” she said.

Her coaching philosophy was shaped during her time with the Memphis Grizzlies, where she helped guide a young core led by Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane. That developmental mindset will now extend to Storm forward Dominique Malonga, the No. 2 overall pick in 2025.

“[Malonga] was a problem coaching against her, I will say that,” Raman said. “Really, really excited to coach her and get to know her, both on and off the court, and really start to build where she can go next.”

Raman emphasized her belief in versatility and imagination when it comes to Malonga’s growth.

“What does that sophomore leap look like for her? I think it's really important not to pigeonhole her in terms of position or in terms of skill set but really imagine kind of a positionless type of future for her and really see how we can move her around on both ends,” Raman said.

As Raman prepares to lead Seattle into the 2026 season, she inherits a talented team that endured close losses and inconsistency in 2025. Her vision centers on rekindling the franchise’s identity and culture.

“I think it starts with we're going to compete every night,” Raman said. “We're going to have this growth mindset of getting better every day.

For Raman, it’s more than a new chapter — it’s a return to a place that already feels like home, with a team and a city ready to embrace her vision.