SEATTLE — The Seattle Storm today announced head coach Noelle Quinn has signed a multi-year contract extension and assistant coach Pokey Chatman has been promoted to associate GM. Chatman will remain in her position as assistant coach while adding associate GM responsibilities with Quinn and Chatman continuing to report to General Manager, Talisa Rhea.
“As we build towards our next championship, we are thrilled to continue with Noelle leading the way for our team,” said Rhea. “Noelle’s competitive passion, basketball IQ, and extensive playing career, coupled with her sideline experience as one of the longest-tenured coaches in the league positions our team to be successful as we pursue excellence on the court.
“In addition, we are excited to utilize Pokey’s vast experience and knowledge of our league in a more formalized capacity to continue elevating Seattle as a top destination for players across our league,” said Rhea. “She is an exceptional ambassador for the game and for the Storm and we look forward to her playing an integral part in our future success.”
In three seasons at the helm, Quinn has guided the Storm to a pair of 20-win seasons, two playoff appearances, and the first-ever WNBA Commissioner’s Cup title in 2021. Overall, the Storm is 49-53 under her direction with Quinn becoming just the third head coach in franchise history to coach 100 or more games.
“I would like to thank our ownership group, CEO Alisha Valavanis, and GM Talisa Rhea, for their belief in me and the opportunity to continue to be the head coach of this franchise,” said Quinn. “One key to great organizations is motivated people that are committed to excellence. This is what the Seattle Storm embodies and I am grateful to be a part of it. I’d also like to thank our supportive, passionate, and dedicated fans. I’m so thrilled for what’s to come!”
Quinn was named the Storm’s seventh head coach on May 30, 2021, after spending one season as an assistant and one as Associate Head Coach, helping lead the team to the 2020 WNBA Championship. She joined the coaching staff in 2019 following a successful 12-year WNBA career which included two separate stints with Seattle totaling five years and culminated in a WNBA title in 2018. Quinn holds the distinction of being the only person to win a WNBA Championship as both a player (2018 – SEA) and a coach (2020 – SEA, Assistant).
Chatman, who has over 20 years of coaching experience, completed her second season as an assistant coach with the Storm in 2023. In addition to helping guide Seattle to a 33-43 record over the last two years, Chatman holds a 134-172 overall record in nine seasons as a WNBA head coach and general manager.
“First and foremost, I’d like to thank our ownership group and the leadership team, along with Coach Quinn for this opportunity to help impact our team in yet another meaningful way,” said Chatman. “I’m looking forward to our offseason ahead, charting our path, and securing players to join this top-notch organization.“
Prior to arriving in Seattle, Chatman spent three seasons as the head coach and GM of the Indiana Fever after six seasons holding the same positions with the Chicago Sky. In Chicago, Chatman guided the Sky to its first-ever playoff appearance in 2013 and to the WNBA finals in 2014. She also spent six seasons coaching Club Spartak Moscow Region in the Russian PBL from 2007-2013, including leading the 2009-10 squad to its fourth-straight EuroLeague Championship with a perfect 16-0 record.
Season ticket deposits are now being accepted for the 2024 season. Storm 360 Memberships include reserved seats for all regular season home games, the best seats at the lowest prices, playoff priority, complimentary WNBA League Pass subscription, flexible ticket exchange program and more. For more information, visit http://stormbasketball.com, or call 206-217-WNBA (9622).