SEATTLE – After a dozen years on the WNBA hardwood, Seattle Storm guard Noelle Quinn will transition to a new role as assistant coach on head coach Dan Hughes’ staff, the team today announced.
“We celebrate Noelle’s WNBA career, she has been an invaluable member of our team and integral on the journey to the 2018 WNBA Championship,” said Storm CEO and General Manager Alisha Valavanis. “It is rare to see players compete in this league for as long as Noelle did; it is a true testament to her dedication to the game and her understanding of how to be a professional in this league. We are thrilled to have her transition from the court to the bench with us.”
Quinn, who played six years in the WNBA before joining the Storm, made her Seattle debut in 2013; a season in which she averaged a career-best 4.9 rebounds per game. In 2015, she signed with the Phoenix Mercury but returned to the Storm via a trade the following June. In total, Quinn donned the Storm jersey in 138 of her final 185 WNBA games.
“To be able to play over a decade in the world’s best league has been a dream come true,” said Quinn. “I’ve been fortunate to share the floor with legendary players and learn from outstanding coaches. Winning a championship in Seattle is definitely the highlight of my career to date, and I am looking forward to the transition to the coaching staff.”
For the last three years, Quinn has spent her WNBA offseason serving as the girls’ basketball head coach at Bishop Montgomery High School located in Torrance, Calif., where she was a standout in the classroom and on the court from 1999-2003. In Quinn’s first year on the sidelines, the Lady Knights won the Southern Section state championship; the following season, her alma mater took home the Del Rey League title. A five-time Southern Section Player of the Year, Quinn excelled both at basketball and volleyball at Bishop Montgomery, winning a combined five state championships. She is the only player in school history whose jersey has been retired.
“Coaching at Bishop Montgomery has given me an opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone,” said Quinn. “I have a passion for teaching basketball and mentoring young student-athletes.”
“We are excited for Noelle to begin her professional coaching with the Storm,” added Hughes. “Her high school coaching the last three years is invaluable, and along with her experience as a player and great teammate with Storm, she will be a wonderful part of the coaching staff.”
The fourth overall pick in the 2007 WNBA Draft, Quinn made an immediate impact in the league, starting 19 games for the Minnesota Lynx and pacing all rookies with 4.4 assists per game. She was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks in 2009, where she played three seasons and in 2010 averaged a career-high 10.2 points per game. Prior to joining the Storm, Quinn spent the 2012 season as a member of the Washington Mystics. Throughout 12 WNBA seasons, she averaged 4.8 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists per contest.
“The Storm is an exceptional organization starting with the ownership group, all the way to the fan base,” said Quinn. “I will miss competing alongside my teammates on the hardwood, but will continue to strive for greatness on the sideline.”
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ABOUT THE SEATTLE STORM
The Seattle Storm is a three-time WNBA championship team committed to bringing a premium professional basketball and entertainment experience to a fan base rich in tradition and support. The organization places high value on community and building platforms to positively impact the overall entertainment, attraction and economy of the Puget Sound region. In addition, the Storm is dedicated to local youth development in the areas of fitness and wellness; with a special emphasis on inspiring leadership, motivation and the empowerment of girls and women. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit StormBasketball.com.