The Seattle Storm is making a change. After five years in charge, Noel Quinn has appointed Sonia Laman, an assistant coach with the New York Liberty, as the new head coach.
Laman comes with a diverse background, having accumulated significant experience in both college and professional basketball. She spent 12 years leading the MIT women’s basketball team, where she became the program’s most successful coach. Following that, she worked as an assistant for the Memphis Grizzlies for four years.
Most recently, Laman was an assistant coach with the Liberty in 2024 and was considered one of the top head coaching candidates available.
This will mark her inaugural role as a head coach in the WNBA, taking over a Storm team that finished in seventh place last season.
Laman replaces Quinn, who was let go after five seasons with the team.
The immediate future for the Storm feels a bit unclear, but there’s certainly potential with rookie Dominic Malonga, who is generating buzz. The team also has several unrestricted free agents, including notable players like Skyler Diggins, Nneka Ogwumike, Brittney Sykes, and Gabby Williams.
Recently, general manager Talitha Rea offered some insight into the qualities the organization seeks in a new head coach.
“I think we’re looking for a leader, someone who can manage a group and establish a new identity,” Rea noted. “There’s a lot of uncertainty as we enter a new chapter in the league, but we are really excited to have someone who can leave their mark on the team, build confidence, team chemistry, and create an identity on the court that will help us compete for years to come.”
Only one WNBA head coaching position is open
So far this offseason, four head coaching spots have been filled. The Portland Fire hired Alex Samara from the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Toronto Tempo brought in Sandy Brondello after her dismissal from the Liberty, and the Dallas Wings appointed Jose Fernandez, former coach at the University of South Florida.
On the other hand, the Liberty still has an opening for their head coach after deciding not to extend Brondello’s contract following a first-round playoff exit.
WNBA teams are taking varied approaches with their head coaching choices. Both the Fire and Storm opted for candidates with extensive NBA backgrounds, while the Wings went with a highly accomplished college coach. Meanwhile, the Tempo chose Brondello, a seasoned figure in the WNBA.
