Female coaches with NBA experience gather together WNBA — and former Memphis Grizzlies assistant Sonia Raman is the latest such example.
On Monday, the New York Liberty announced that Raman will join head coach Sandy Brondello's coaching staff, which also includes the return of assistant coaches Olaf Lange and Zach O'Brien. .
NY Liberty welcomes Sonia Raman to the coaching staff!
Coach Sonia coached the MIT women's basketball team for 12 seasons and served as an assistant coach for the Memphis Grizzlies for four seasons. pic.twitter.com/YetEdTzFLZ
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) January 13, 2025
Raman began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Wellesley College. She then served as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) women's basketball head coach from 2008 to 2020, becoming the winningest coach in program history with 152 wins. He then served as an assistant coach for the Memphis Grizzlies from 2020 to 2024.
Effectively, she replaces Liberty's Ronica Hodges, who left the organization to join the Connecticut Sun.
“We are excited to welcome Sonia to New York as we prepare to defend our title in 2025,” said Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello. “She specializes in the offensive side of the ball, bringing a wealth of experience to our staff and aligning with our evolving core playing principles.”
Sonia Raman brings Grizzlies experience to WNBA
Raman is the latest in a long list of former NBA assistants to take on coaching roles in the NBA. Natalie Nakase, a former Clippers assistant, is currently the head coach of the Valkyries. Becky Hammon, who was an assistant with the Spurs, is one of the league's winningest coaches with the Aces. And Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts was a longtime NBA assistant with the Magic, Cavaliers and Trail Blazers before taking over as Phoenix's head coach. Laman is currently one of four female assistants in the NBA, a list that also includes Jenny Boucek (Indiana Pacers), Brittney Donaldson (Atlanta Hawks) and Lindsey Harding (Sacramento Kings). Included.
Last season, Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins praised Laman's contributions to the team, especially in player development.
“Sonia has had a huge impact on this group,” he said. By Damechael Cole of Commercial Appeal. “I love her work ethic. I love her care for her players.”
“Her voice continues to grow greatly as she gains confidence in her relationships with players and staff. She has an incredible personality and we connected through basketball, but as a family… Knowing our history and growing up and traveling the world, it was fun to cross the line and build a relationship with her.”
Now, Laman will bring that passion to the defending champions as they pursue another WNBA title.
