Storm Coach Raman Completes her Staff
Seattle adds three new assistant coaches to the team.
While the WNBA and WNBAPA have yet to agree on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, and we’re still not sure if there will be WNBA basketball in 2026, that hasn’t stopped teams from moving ahead with plans for the upcoming season. In Seattle, the Storm made a head coaching change this offseason after relieving Coach Noelle Quinn and her staff and hiring New York Liberty Assistant Coach, Sonia Raman.
Back in early November, during her introductory press conference, I asked Coach Raman what type of characteristics she was looking for when hiring the rest of her coaching staff.
“First and foremost, people who are very high character and who are going to work really hard. People who are going to fill my gaps. I want to be able to collaborate. I’m really excited. Part of what drew me here is this collaboration I get to have with Talisa and everyone in this organization. I want to bring in a staff that will collaborate with me. We will work together to put into place all of the things I have just laid out in my vision.” Raman told me.
On Wednesday, February 18th, the Storm officially announced three new assistant coaches for her staff. They’ve added former WNBA player Natalie Achonwa, Michael Joiner, and Jarrell Christian.
Per the press release:
Achonwa joins the Storm after two seasons at the University of Michigan, where she most recently served as general manager and assistant coach following an initial year as assistant coach of player development. A four-time Canadian Olympian (2012, 2016, 2020, 2024), she also represented Canada as an assistant coach for the U19 World Cup team in 2025. Drafted ninth overall by the Indiana Fever in 2014, Achonwa went on to play nine seasons in the WNBA, earning All-Rookie Team honors in 2014 along with the 2019 WNBA Community Assist Award and the 2020 Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award. Achonwa will complete the 2025–26 college basketball season with the Wolverines before transitioning to her role with the Storm.
Christian most recently served as the general manager of the Maine Celtics in the NBA G League, where he led the team to three consecutive 30+ win seasons for the first time in franchise history. In 2023, he served as the director of player development for the Maine Celtics, while also working with the Boston Celtics’ player development staff, becoming the first person in NBA history to hold roles with both staffs simultaneously. From 2023-2025, Christian worked as a scout for the Celtics, evaluating the Atlantic, Central, Pacific and Southeast divisions. He previously served as the Maine Celtics’ head coach during the 2021-2022 season. Prior to his time in Boston, Christian served as assistant coach with the Washington Wizards from 2019-2021 and as head coach of the Capital City Go-Go during the 2018-2019 season.
Joiner comes to the Storm after two seasons with the Phoenix Mercury, where he served as an assistant coach specializing in player development and defensive strategy. In 2025, the Mercury consistently ranked among the league’s top five teams in defensive rating, a testament to Joiner’s expertise in coverage tracking and data-informed adjustments. Before joining Phoenix, Joiner served as an assistant coach with the Memphis Hustle, the Grizzlies’ G-League affiliate, and as a player development coach for the Grizzlies. While with the Grizzlies, he worked closely with Coach Raman, collaborating on scouting preparation and the team’s defensive system.
Coach Raman had this to say about her new assistants.
“Natalie is a highly respected former player and leader in the WNBA. A four-time Olympian with extensive International experience, she brings an elite competitive standard shaped by winning at the highest levels and further informed by her work as a college assistant coach and General Manager. Process-oriented in her approach, she is known for building trust, investing in people, and maintaining a daily commitment to excellence.”
“A veteran coach across the WNBA and G League, Michael has a strong foundation shaped by both his playing and coaching career. He is known for his strategic insight and elevating organizations with a strong, player-first approach to development. Michael’s experience and skillset will be a valuable addition to the Storm.”
“Jarell brings proven leadership, a sharp basketball mind, and a championship pedigree shaped by his time as a G League Head Coach and General Manager. He consistently invests in players, builds strong relationships, and contributes to a winning culture.”
How Coach Sonia Raman and her staff perform is one of the many interesting storylines heading into this WNBA season, if and when we get there. Hiring these coaches, including ones that had active jobs, may be a positive sign that a deal with the CBA will get done before April.
Another interesting story will be whether the Storm look to run it back with veterans Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins or if they embrace a youth movement with Dominique Malonga, Jordan Horston, and the third overall pick in the WNBA Draft.
Notes:
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