Seattle Storm players described Sonia Raman’s first season as a foundation-building process even as the team finished 8–36, according to a Seattle Times report by Kate Shefte.
This is not a new contract announcement. Seattle’s decision to retain Raman had already been reported. The newer player-centered account explains why several players believed the organization should continue with the coach’s approach rather than judge it only by the 2026 win-loss record.
What players said about Raman’s approach
Stefanie Dolson told the Times that the team’s expectation was to build a foundation and grow, and described that as an achievement despite the difficult season. Awa Fam said Raman asked how she liked to play and what would make her comfortable after she joined the team, rather than deciding her role without that conversation.
Zia Cooke described Raman as easy to talk to and transparent. Jade Melbourne said the coach’s data-heavy teaching style initially felt overwhelming, but became more useful as the numbers translated into plays the guard could recognize on the court.
Development, not a promise of future wins
The report frames Raman’s return around player development, communication and continuity during an offseason of change. It does not establish that the same approach will produce a particular result in 2027, nor does it identify future roster moves.
That distinction matters. The roster-priority details reported earlier by general manager Talisa Rhea remain a separate subject; readers can review that update in our previous Storm offseason coverage.
The confirmed takeaway
The named players in the Times report offered specific reasons for their confidence in Raman: transparent communication, individual attention, confidence-building and a system that took time to learn. Those are reported player perspectives, not a guarantee about next season’s standings.