Sonia Raman makes history as first Indian head coach in WNBA with Seattle Storm, AP Source says

New York assistant Sonya Raman has agreed to a deal to become head coach of the Seattle Storm, a person familiar with the hiring told The Associated Press.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity Friday because no official statement had been made.

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Raman spent four years as an assistant with the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies before joining the New York Liberty last season. She will make history as the first person of Indian descent to become a head coach in the WNBA.

Seattle fired coach Noelle Quinn last month after the Storm were eliminated by the Las Vegas A's in the first round of the playoffs.

ESPN first reported the hire.

Thanks to this transfer, New York became the only team that still does not have a head coach. The Liberty did not renew Sandy Brondello's contract after New York lost to Phoenix in the first round. Raman was also ready to work in New York.

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The Storm could look much different next year, with All-Stars Nneka Ogwumike, Skylar Diggins, Gabby Williams and Brittney Sykes set to become unrestricted free agents. The WNBA's most experienced players will sign a new collective bargaining agreement that is expected to increase salaries when it is finally finalized.

However, Raman will have sensational young forward Dominic Malonga, who was drafted second overall last season.

Raman's coaching career began at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she was head coach from 2008 to 2020. She led the school to the NCAA Division III Tournament twice and remains the winningest coach in program history.

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AP VNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball

Doug Feinberg, Associated Press