Trailblazer Sonia Raman Becomes First Indian American To Lead A WNBA Team

PICTURE CREDIT Sonia Raman X Account

India-West News Desk

SEATTLE, WA — Sonia Raman, assistant coach for the New York Liberty, has agreed to a multiyear deal to lead the Seattle Storm, ESPN reported — marking a historic moment as she becomes the first person of Indian descent to serve as a head coach in the WNBA.

Raman, 49, brings a rich blend of experience and perspective to the role. She previously spent four seasons (2020–24) as an assistant coach with the Memphis Grizzlies, where she made history as the first Indian American woman to hold an assistant coaching position in the NBA, before joining the Liberty last year.

A native of Framingham, Massachusetts, Raman began her coaching career at her alma mater, Tufts University, where she led the women’s basketball program for 12 years. A former team captain and four-year player at Tufts, she earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations before pursuing a law degree at Boston College.

The daughter of Indian immigrants — her mother from Nagpur and her father from Chennai — Raman’s journey from college athlete to professional head coach reflects a blend of intellect, leadership, and perseverance. She is married to Milena Flores, a former WNBA player and Stanford standout.

Her appointment follows Seattle’s decision to part ways with Noelle Quinn on September 21, just days after the Storm’s playoff exit at the hands of the eventual champions, the Las Vegas Aces.