New Liberty assistant coach brings NBA experience to the WNBA

Women coaches with NBA experience are flocking to the WNBA — and former Memphis Grizzlies assistant Sonia Raman is the latest such example.

On Monday, the New York Liberty announced that Raman would be joining head coach Sandy Brondello’s coaching staff, rounding out a staff that also includes returning assistant coaches Olaf Lange and Zach O’Brien.

Raman began her coaching career as an assistant coach at Wellesley College. Then, she served as the head coach of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) women’s basketball from 2008 to 2020, where she became the winningest coach in program history, with 152 victories. Then, she served as an assistant coach for the Memphis Grizzlies from 2020 to 2024.

In effect, she replaces Roneeka Hodges on the Liberty, who departed the organization to join the Connecticut Sun.

“We are excited to welcome Sonia to New York as we prepare for our title defense in 2025,” said Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello. “Specializing in the offensive side of the ball, she brings a wealth of experience to our staff and aligns with our core principles of play as we continue to evolve.”

Raman is the latest in a long list of former NBA assistants to take on coaching roles in the NBA. Natalie Nakase, who was formerly an assistant on the Clippers, is now the head coach of the Valkyries. Becky Hammon, who was an assistant on the Spurs, has been one of the league’s winningest coaches with the Aces. And, Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts was a longtime NBA assistant with stints with the Magic, Cavaliers, and Trail Blazers prior to taking over as head coach in Phoenix. Raman is currently one of four NBA assistants who are women, a list that also includes Jenny Boucek (Indiana Pacers), Brittni Donaldson (Atlanta Hawks), and Lindsey Harding (Sacramento Kings),

Last season, Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins praised Raman for her contributions to the team, particularly on the player development side.

“Sonia has made a huge impression on this group,” he said, per the Commercial Appeal’s Damichael Cole. “I love her work ethic. I love her care factor for our guys.”

“Her voice has continued to grow so much with confidence in the relationships with our players and our staff. She’s got this unbelievable personality, we connected with basketball, but knowing our histories as families and growing up and world travels, it’s been fun to develop a relationship with her outside of the lines.”

Now, Raman will bring that passion to the defending champions as they pursue another WNBA title.