{"id":762611,"date":"2026-04-30T01:25:14","date_gmt":"2026-04-30T01:25:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/762611\/"},"modified":"2026-04-30T01:25:14","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T01:25:14","slug":"2026-wnba-season-preview-seattle-storm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/762611\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 WNBA season preview: Seattle Storm"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>SEATTLE \u2014 After losing last season\u2019s top five scorers in free agency, the Seattle Storm were forced into a rebuild in 2026. As a result, the team has some of the biggest unknowns outside of the expansion teams, with entirely new rosters. With so many new faces, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/features\/seattle-storm-reportedly-hire-sonia-raman-as-head-coach\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">including head coach Sonia Raman<\/a>, a roster breakdown is in order, starting with the few returning players from last season.<\/p>\n<p>A lot of focus will be on last year\u2019s No. 2 overall pick, <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/m\/malondo01w.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.theixsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-29_bbr\">Dominique Malonga<\/a>. While the team could <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/features\/dominique-malongas-measured-and-undemanding-intro-to-the-wnba\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">slowly introduce Malonga to the WNBA without pressure as a rookie<\/a>, finding success this season will require her to make a big leap towards the future MVP level her teammates praised last year. The 6\u20196 French center will also be thrust into a starting role, which she feels ready to step up for.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI just want to bring whatever the team needs from me. How many minutes it\u2019s going to be, I don\u2019t know, but I\u2019m just really ready for whatever,\u201d Malonga said during media day. \u201cI think we have a lot of strength in this group. It\u2019s not going to rely only on me. \u2026 It\u2019s not just about one player, it\u2019s about this team that we\u2019re building.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>With heightened expectations for her season, Malonga said she is focused on consistency and competency in her role.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think I really need to be efficient, so know my strength and then really play on those trends,\u201d Malonga said. \u201cThere is nothing crazy that is expected from me. They just expect me to be me. To bring what I know, to bring energy, to run the floor, to be versatile, play defense \u2026 and they don\u2019t ask me to be out of character.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>She will eventually be joined in the post by Seattle\u2019s only returning starter, <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/m\/magbeez01w.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.theixsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-29_bbr\">Ezi Magbegor<\/a>. The Storm utilized the core designation to prevent Magbegor from becoming a true unrestricted free agent. Magbegor opted to sign a three-year contract.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe organization seeing the value in me and me seeing the value in this organization, and for my career as well, I knew this is where I wanted to be,\u201d Magbegor said on media day. \u201cI wanted to be a part of something new in the same city. So I was really fortunate to be able to commit to that.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The 26-year-old\u2019s season debut will be delayed, though, as she suffered a right foot injury while playing for Australia in the 2026 FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers in Istanbul and will be re-evaluated in 5-7 weeks. This is Magbegor\u2019s first longer-term injury, so she said she is finding ways to still be part of the team from the sideline and working day by day with the medical team.<\/p>\n<p>While her main focus is on getting healthy, the perennial All-Defensive team candidate, who is known to be on the quieter side, will secondarily be working on being a leader.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think [leadership] is something that comes with experience. So, whether I like it or not, I think I definitely have that experience to share with the newer players and the younger players,\u201d Magbegor said. \u201cSo I think that\u2019s something that I\u2019m excited to tap into as well \u2026 just being able to utilize that [injury] time to get to know my teammates, uplift them, encourage them in any way I can.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>When she returns, Magbegor hopes to contribute more offensively. Last season was a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/features\/ezi-magbegor-finds-her-offensive-flow-while-remaining-the-anchor-of-seattles-defense\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">down year offensively<\/a> for the 6\u20194 center, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/m\/magbeez01w.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">as she<\/a> took fewer shots and her 3-point shooting was generally inefficient. But she says an offseason playing in Unrivaled forced her to be an offensive threat, as did her time with the Australian national team.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPlaying in the national team, I felt good and confident, and just felt like, offensively, I was kind of back to me a little bit,\u201d Magbegor said. \u201cSo, although the injury is disappointing, I think that\u2019s something that I can kind of build off. And just remember how I felt at that point prior to getting injured, and then just continuing to be a defensive threat.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"832\" data-attachment-id=\"46865\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/the-ix-basketball-newsroom\/wnba\/seattle-storm\/2026-wnba-season-preview-seattle-storm\/attachment\/20260419_first-day_training-camp_fs-27\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260419_First-Day_Training-Camp_FS-27-scaled.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2560,2081\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;4&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;ILCE-7M4&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1776600359&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;121&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;4000&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.002&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"20260419_First Day_Training Camp_FS-27\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Seattle Storm center Ezi Magbegor and guard Jordan Horston smile and chat on the first day of training camp on April 19, 2026, at the BECU Storm Center for Basketball Performance in Seattle, Wash. (Photo courtesy of Seattle Storm)&lt;\/p&gt;&#10;\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260419_First-Day_Training-Camp_FS-27-1024x832.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260419_First-Day_Training-Camp_FS-27-1024x832.jpg\" alt=\"Ezi Magbegor stands with her arms crossed and a wide smile on her face next to Jordan Horston whose arms are relaxed but her face is similarly smiling.\" class=\"wp-image-46865\"  \/>Seattle Storm center Ezi Magbegor and guard Jordan Horston smile and chat on the first day of training camp on April 19, 2026, at the BECU Storm Center for Basketball Performance in Seattle, Wash. (Photo courtesy of Seattle Storm)<\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/h\/horstjo02w.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.theixsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-29_bbr\">Jordan Horston<\/a> is set to make her return after missing the entire 2025 season due to an ACL tear suffered while playing in the offseason for Athletes Unlimited. The 6\u20192 wing guard hopes to be ready to go for the regular season opener. She knows it may sound crazy, but Horston is thankful for the injury because it allowed her to learn about herself and see the game from a different perspective.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI didn\u2019t know who I was outside of basketball,\u201d Horston said at media day. \u201cI\u2019m so grateful for this injury because I feel like it\u2019s prepared me for the rest of my life. I\u2019ve built great habits, I know so much about my body, and I feel like, without the injury, I would have never discovered these things. So I feel like it\u2019s going to benefit me in the long run.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>On the court, Horston feels like the team system fits her style well and is ready to build on her <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/features\/i-can-i-will-inside-jordan-horstons-sophomore-season-leap\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">standout sophomore season<\/a>. Plus, the departure of so many veteran scorers opens up vast opportunities for the fourth-year player and her teammates.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis year, we all got to step up. It\u2019s an opportunity for everybody to showcase and do what they do best,\u201d Horston said. \u201cYou don\u2019t have to be anybody but yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/s\/samueka02w.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.theixsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-29_bbr\">Katie Lou Samuelson<\/a> is similarly returning from an ACL injury, though hers occurred a couple of weeks after Horston\u2019s, in training camp. When Samuelson suffered the injury, she was returning to play after giving birth to her daughter. Though she didn\u2019t appear for the Storm last season, the team believed in the 2019 No. 4 overall pick enough to sign her to a <a href=\"https:\/\/herhoopstats.com\/salary-cap-sheet\/wnba\/team\/2026\/seattle-storm-11eaecc7-3572-876c-b611-2362f5011b0b\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">two-year guaranteed contract<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The 6\u20193 guard\/forward is feeling good, but doesn\u2019t know of a specific timeline for her return. At her best, she brings reliable 3-point shooting that can space the floor, but she is still working to get her confidence back.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think for me specifically this time around, I will say that this is definitely challenging, but I think coming back from when I had my daughter was a lot more challenging. So it\u2019s kind of put this in a little bit of perspective for me,\u201d Samuelson said on media day. \u201cI\u2019ve come back from being out after a long time. I did what I needed to do to get back to who I was last season. And this year, I\u2019m just continuing to put each day one at a time, and just build up my confidence, both physically and mentally.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/b\/brownle02w.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.theixsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-29_bbr\">Lexie Brown<\/a> returns for her second year in a row after expressing disappointment with her lack of playing time <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/features\/seattle-storm-reflect-on-season-look-toward-uncertain-future\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">at the end of last season<\/a>. With a new head coach and accompanying coaching staff, the 5\u20199 shooting guard feels good about this new season with a team she wants to be a part of long term.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-attachment-id=\"46876\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/the-ix-basketball-newsroom\/wnba\/seattle-storm\/2026-wnba-season-preview-seattle-storm\/attachment\/20260419_first-day_training-camp_fs-5\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260419_First-Day_Training-Camp_FS-5-scaled.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2560,1707\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;ILCE-7M4&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1776627865&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;74&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;4000&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.001&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"20260419_First Day_Training Camp_FS-5\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Seattle Storm guard Lexie Brown plays defense on the first day of training camp on April 19, 2026, at the BECU Storm Center for Basketball Performance in Seattle, Wash. (Photo courtesy of Seattle Storm)&lt;\/p&gt;&#10;\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260419_First-Day_Training-Camp_FS-5-1024x683.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260419_First-Day_Training-Camp_FS-5-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Lexie Brown stands centered low to the ground with her arms spread out wide to play defense. Dominique Malonga and Natisha Hiedeman are in the background, blurry, but in the same position.\" class=\"wp-image-46876\"  \/>Seattle Storm guard Lexie Brown plays defense on the first day of training camp on April 19, 2026, at the BECU Storm Center for Basketball Performance in Seattle, Wash. (Photo courtesy of Seattle Storm)<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI just, one, want to get on the floor, and then just continue to pour into everybody that\u2019s here,\u201d Brown said on media day. \u201cWe have a lot of new people to the organization and to the city of Seattle, so my role has kind of made a complete 180 as far as being one of the few players on this team that is familiar with the organization, with the city. \u2026 And then I think my production on the court will come. Wins and losses are what it is. But I think, for me, most importantly, is building a new culture here.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Availability has often been much of the conversation around Brown since she revealed her Crohn\u2019s disease diagnosis. But right now she says she feels \u201camazing.\u201d And she clarified: last year, she thought she felt amazing, but now she feels really incredible \u2014 as good as she did before her diagnosis.<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-fl-body-bg-background-color has-background has-small-font-size\"><strong><strong>Listen now to The IX Sports Podcast and Women\u2019s Sports Daily<\/strong><br \/><\/strong><br \/>We are excited to announce the launch of TWO new podcasts for all the women\u2019s sports fans out there looking for a daily dose of women\u2019s sports news and analysis. Stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or anywhere you listen to podcasts, and make sure to subscribe!<\/p>\n<p>Magbegor, Malonga, Horston, Samuelson and Brown lock in five roster spots. The last two returners, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/c\/cookezi01w.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.theixsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-29_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Zia Cooke<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/h\/holmema01w.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.theixsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-29_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Mackenzie Holmes<\/a>, played very limited minutes last year like Brown, but are not on guaranteed contracts and will have to fight for a spot on the final 12-player roster. Both were cut or traded at some point midseason but re-joined the team later on when the Storm had enough funds for rest-of-season contracts. <\/p>\n<p>They took different approaches to the offseason that they feel set them up to play a bigger role this season. Cooke opted to stay stateside and play for Athletes Unlimited, where she <a href=\"https:\/\/auprosports.com\/basketball\/athletes\/zia-cooke\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">averaged<\/a> 16.4 points, shooting 39.4% from the field and 33.8% from three, three rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. Playing with and against players like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/c\/charlti01w.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.theixsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-29_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Tina Charles<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/a\/atkinar01w.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.theixsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-29_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Ariel Atkins<\/a> reminded Cooke that she can perform at a high level. She also focused on the mental side of things.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEverything works out when you\u2019re just mentally in a good space, and that\u2019s what I\u2019m trying to find,\u201d Cooke said on media day. \u201cThat\u2019s the Zia that I want to see, just smiling, being happy, being appreciative of each and every opportunity, just seeing the ball go in.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Cooke is further boosted by the belief that Raman has shown in her. Though she has played mostly as a two-guard in practice, Raman played her some at the point in the first preseason game, showing her belief in Cooke. The 5\u20199 guard thinks that belief can get her to the next level.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m just happy I don\u2019t have too much pressure on myself to go out there and not worry about mistakes,\u201d Cooke said after the preseason matchup at Golden State. \u201cShe\u2019s allowing me to make mistakes. She\u2019s putting me in uncomfortable positions so I can go back and learn and get ready for what\u2019s next. So I\u2019m overly excited.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"835\" data-attachment-id=\"46879\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/the-ix-basketball-newsroom\/wnba\/seattle-storm\/2026-wnba-season-preview-seattle-storm\/attachment\/dsc08910-copy\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC08910-copy.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2193,1788\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;ILCE-7M4&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1777143578&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;200&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;1250&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.00125&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"DSC08910 copy\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Seattle Storm forward Mackenzie Holmes and guard Zia Cooke high-five during the preseason game against the Valkyries on April 25, 2026, at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif. (Photo courtesy of Seattle Storm)&lt;\/p&gt;&#10;\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC08910-copy-1024x835.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC08910-copy-1024x835.jpg\" alt=\"Mackenzie Holmes runs down the court with her back towards the camera and high-fives Zia Cooke as the runs past the guard standing there with her other hand on her hip.\" class=\"wp-image-46879\"  \/>Seattle Storm forward Mackenzie Holmes and guard Zia Cooke high-five during the preseason game against the Valkyries on April 25, 2026, at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif. (Photo courtesy of Seattle Storm)<\/p>\n<p>Holmes played in Australia with the WNBL\u2019s Geelong Venom and then spent a month playing in China. Over 23 games in Australia, she <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wnbl.com.au\/player\/mackenzie-holmes-1c739e48-69d9-11f0-9fcf-9f411dd0fb73\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">averaged<\/a> an impressive 21.9 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. Holmes hopes to use those experiences, plus one full year professional basketball experience (she sat out for a year after being drafted to undergo knee surgery), to propel her into this season.<\/p>\n<p>The 6\u20193 forward is aiming to be the person who can do anything for the team. She particularly felt drawn to Raman\u2019s special teams unit that is focused on creating extra possessions.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think that\u2019s kind of where I feel like I\u2019ll find my groove is, maybe my job\u2019s not scoring, but I\u2019m gonna try to create extra possessions, get offensive rebounds, be a communicator on both sides of the ball, so just kind of be that person that can do multiple things for the team,\u201d Holmes said on media day. \u201cThe little things, the intangible things, are really what I\u2019m trying to hone in on during camp, and just being someone who has great energy and creates extra possessions for the team.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Free agent additions<\/p>\n<p>Compared to when the Storm brought in and subsequently re-signed players like <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/o\/ogwumnn01w.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.theixsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-29_bbr\">Nneka Ogwumike<\/a> and <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/d\/diggisk01w.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.theixsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-29_bbr\">Skylar Diggins<\/a> the previous two seasons, Seattle didn\u2019t make a massive splash in free agency in 2026. However, the three who were brought in and signed to guaranteed contracts each fill a specific need.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/h\/hiedena01w.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.theixsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-29_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Natisha Hiedeman<\/a>, who was a key role player in Minnesota the last two seasons, is expected to step in as the team\u2019s starting point guard following Diggins\u2019 departure. Having those two years under Cheryl Reeve helped Hiedeman understand her game, and she feels prepared for this next step.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI feel like I\u2019m at that point in my career where I\u2019m ready for that,\u201d Hiedeman said on media day. \u201cI\u2019ve been in a lot of different positions in my career \u2026 so I feel like whatever my role is on the team, I really embrace it and take pride in it. So I\u2019m pretty aware of what the coaches want from me and what the team needs from me, and I\u2019m ready to fully immerse in that, to be that one, to lead.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"867\" height=\"1024\" data-attachment-id=\"46889\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/the-ix-basketball-newsroom\/wnba\/seattle-storm\/2026-wnba-season-preview-seattle-storm\/attachment\/20260419_first-day_training-camp_fs-28\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260419_First-Day_Training-Camp_FS-28-scaled.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2167,2560\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;4&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;ILCE-7M4&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1776600361&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;200&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;4000&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.002&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"20260419_First Day_Training Camp_FS-28\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Seattle Storm guard Natisha Hiedeman on the first day of training camp on April 19, 2026, at the BECU Storm Center for Basketball Performance in Seattle, Wash. (Photo courtesy of Seattle Storm)&lt;\/p&gt;&#10;\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260419_First-Day_Training-Camp_FS-28-867x1024.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260419_First-Day_Training-Camp_FS-28-867x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Natisha Hiedeman stands on the court with her arms at her sides during the first day of training camp.\" class=\"wp-image-46889\"  \/>Seattle Storm guard Natisha Hiedeman on the first day of training camp on April 19, 2026, at the BECU Storm Center for Basketball Performance in Seattle, Wash. (Photo courtesy of Seattle Storm)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"854\" height=\"1024\" data-attachment-id=\"46890\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/the-ix-basketball-newsroom\/wnba\/seattle-storm\/2026-wnba-season-preview-seattle-storm\/attachment\/20260421_training-camp-49\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260421_Training-Camp-49-scaled.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2134,2560\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;ILCE-7M4&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1776773799&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;158&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;3200&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.00125&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"20260421_Training Camp-49\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Seattle Storm center Stefanie Dolson on the first day of training camp on April 19, 2026, at the BECU Storm Center for Basketball Performance in Seattle, Wash. (Photo courtesy of Seattle Storm)&lt;\/p&gt;&#10;\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260421_Training-Camp-49-854x1024.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260421_Training-Camp-49-854x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Stefanie Dolson smiles and holds her arms at a 90 degree angle as she walks onto the court at training camp.\" class=\"wp-image-46890\"  \/>Seattle Storm center Stefanie Dolson on the first day of training camp on April 19, 2026, at the BECU Storm Center for Basketball Performance in Seattle, Wash. (Photo courtesy of Seattle Storm)<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/d\/dolsost01w.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.theixsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-29_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Stefanie Dolson<\/a> brings veteran experience to an otherwise very young front court and team overall. The 6\u20195 center is a reliable 3-point shooter who will help space the floor and shepherd a young team. Her main on-court goal for the season is to show that she can still play.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLast season in D.C. was tough. We had six post players at the beginning of the season,\u201d Dolson explained on media day. \u201cSo I think [my goal is] just to go out, be my vet self, but also still contribute. I don\u2019t mind or care about the minutes, I just want to have contribution to what I\u2019m putting out there. And I think I have that capability.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>While the Storm didn\u2019t specifically tell Dolson they wanted her as a veteran presence, she says she knew she would be, being the oldest on a young team and the most experienced as she enters her 13th season. Dolson is happy to fill that role, though. She enjoys teaching the game and making sure everyone knows what they\u2019re doing.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI feel a little bit mama bear, a little bit like get your shit together and don\u2019t mess up because I don\u2019t like to lose,\u201d Dolson said on media day. \u201cBut I also like to have fun, so I think as long as everyone\u2019s having joy and enjoying what we\u2019re doing and playing together, then I feel like I\u2019m doing my job as a vet.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s?k=becoming+caitlin+clark&amp;i=stripbooks&amp;crid=3IV6QD76CV5IH&amp;sprefix=becoming+caitlin+clark%2Cstripbooks%2C175&amp;ref=nb_sb_noss_1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"328\" height=\"250\" data-attachment-id=\"25973\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/untitled-design-13-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Untitled-design-13.png\" data-orig-size=\"328,250\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Untitled design (13)\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Untitled-design-13.png\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Untitled-design-13.png\" alt=\"Photo of the cover of &quot;Becoming Caitlin Clark,&quot; a new book written by Howard Megdal.\" class=\"wp-image-25973 size-full\"  \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u201cBecoming Caitlin Clark\u201d<\/strong> <strong>is out now!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Howard Megdal\u2019s newest book is here! \u201cBecoming Caitlin Clark: The Unknown Origin Story of a Modern Basketball Superstar\u201d captures both the historic nature of Clark\u2019s rise and the critical context over the previous century that helped make it possible, including interviews with Clark, Lisa Bluder (who also wrote the foreword), C. Vivian Stringer, Jan Jensen, Molly Kazmer and many others.<\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/m\/melboja01w.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.theixsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-29_bbr\">Jade Melbourne<\/a> similarly joins the Storm from the Washington Mystics, but it is also a return to the team that drafted her for the Australian point guard. She will be the primary backup to Hiedeman, possibly even challenge for that starting spot. Though just 23 years old, she is in her fourth WNBA season and has significant international experience that has helped her grow immensely since she played her rookie season in Seattle.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"843\" height=\"1024\" data-attachment-id=\"46891\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/the-ix-basketball-newsroom\/wnba\/seattle-storm\/2026-wnba-season-preview-seattle-storm\/attachment\/dsc08883\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC08883-scaled.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2108,2560\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;ILCE-7M4&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1777142462&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;200&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;1250&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.00125&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"DSC08883\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Seattle Storm point guard Jade Melbourne shoots a tough layup around the outstretched arm of Valkyries forward Leticia Amihere during the preseason game against the Golden State Valkyries on April 25, 2026, at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif. (Photo courtesy of Seattle Storm)&lt;\/p&gt;&#10;\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC08883-843x1024.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC08883-843x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Jade Melbourne falls to her left as she hooks up a shot with her left hand, getting the shot off before the outstretched arm of Leticia Amihere could block it.\" class=\"wp-image-46891\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.8232491662696522;width:525px;height:auto\"  \/>Seattle Storm point guard Jade Melbourne shoots a tough layup around the outstretched arm of Valkyries forward Leticia Amihere during the preseason game against the Golden State Valkyries on April 25, 2026, at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif. (Photo courtesy of Seattle Storm)<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think I\u2019ve just grown up a lot. I came into the Storm as a kid, who was quick, had a basketball IQ, and had a lot of energy for the game. But over three years, I\u2019m still that, but I\u2019ve developed game live reads, a 3-point jump shot that is continuing to be a work in progress. But I\u2019ve also grown in the leadership area as well, and kind of established myself as a player that can play the point guard in this league. And I think that\u2019s the most important thing for me,\u201d Melbourne said on media day. \u201cYou can expect different, exciting play from me \u2014 still that spark plug, still that person that gets up the floor, but just a smarter version.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Seattle\u2019s other three free agent signings face an uphill battle to make the final roster. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/b\/brownja06w.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.theixsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-29_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jaelyn Brown<\/a> (note the e) played the most minutes in the team\u2019s first preseason game despite joining the team late due to overseas commitments. She graduated from Cal in 2020 and spent the last two seasons in the WNBA, playing for Dallas in 2024 and Connecticut in 2025. The 6\u20191 guard averaged\u00a03.1 points and 1.4 rebounds per game and shot 46.7% from three.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"879\" height=\"1024\" data-attachment-id=\"46892\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/the-ix-basketball-newsroom\/wnba\/seattle-storm\/2026-wnba-season-preview-seattle-storm\/attachment\/dsc08921\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC08921.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2190,2550\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;ILCE-7M4&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1777144443&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;200&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;1250&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.00125&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"DSC08921\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Seattle Storm guard\/forward Jaelyn Brown shoots over a Golden State player during the preseason game against the Valkyries on April 25, 2026, at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif. (Photo courtesy of Seattle Storm)&lt;\/p&gt;&#10;\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC08921-879x1024.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC08921-879x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Jaelyn Brown floats a foot in the air as she just barely releases her shot over the Golden State player who looks like she is high-fiving Brown as the ball is just leaving her fingertips.\" class=\"wp-image-46892\"  \/>Seattle Storm guard\/forward Jaelyn Brown shoots over a Golden State player during the preseason game against the Valkyries on April 25, 2026, at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif. (Photo courtesy of Seattle Storm)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"814\" height=\"1024\" data-attachment-id=\"46893\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/the-ix-basketball-newsroom\/wnba\/seattle-storm\/2026-wnba-season-preview-seattle-storm\/attachment\/dsc08928\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC08928-scaled.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2034,2560\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;ILCE-7M4&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1777144646&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;194&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;1250&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.00125&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"DSC08928\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Seattle Storm forward Rennia Davis shoots over a Golden State player during the preseason game against the Valkyries on April 25, 2026, at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif. (Photo courtesy of Seattle Storm)&lt;\/p&gt;&#10;\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC08928-814x1024.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC08928-814x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Rennia Davis floats a foot or two in the air just as she releases her shot over the outstretched arms of a Valkyries player.\" class=\"wp-image-46893\"  \/>Seattle Storm forward Rennia Davis shoots over a Golden State player during the preseason game against the Valkyries on April 25, 2026, at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif. (Photo courtesy of Seattle Storm)<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/d\/davisre01w.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.theixsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-29_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Rennia Davis<\/a> played the second-most minutes, but only at the very end of the game, when she made some clutch buckets to help make it a one-possession game. The No. 9\u00a0overall\u00a0pick\u00a0by the Minnesota Lynx in\u00a0the 2021 WNBA draft missed\u00a0her rookie season\u00a0due to a foot injury and struggled to stick on a roster after that. Davis\u00a0spent this last offseason playing\u00a0for Nesibe Aydin\u00a0in\u00a0Turkey, where\u00a0she\u00a0led the team in scoring, averaging 20.5 points on 57.0%\u00a0shooting\u00a0from the field, including 40.0% from three, along with 11.8 rebounds per game.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/m\/momprbe01w.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.theixsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-29_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Beatrice Mompremier<\/a> did not play in the preseason game, indicating she could be one of the first players cut. The 6\u20194 forward\u00a0played the 2025-26 season for\u00a0the Xinjiang Magic Deer in China, where she\u00a0led\u00a0her team with 15.8 points per game on 55.9%\u00a0shooting\u00a0from\u00a0the field\u00a0and 10.0 rebounds per game. She was drafted No. 20 overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2020 WNBA draft but in her three seasons in the WNBA, in which she played for Connecticut and Atlanta, she averaged 2.0 points on 45.8%\u00a0shooting\u00a0and 2.8 rebounds per game.<\/p>\n<p>Rookies<\/p>\n<p>The Storm drafted four rookies in 2026, two of whom are nearly guaranteed to make the final roster, and invited an additional two undrafted rookies. For a more in-depth analysis of Seattle\u2019s 2026 WNBA Draft, read <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/features\/seattle-storm-lean-into-rebuild-with-awa-fam-and-flaujae-johnson\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">this earlier breakdown<\/a> of the picks.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/f\/famaw01w.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.theixsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-29_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Awa Fam<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/j\/johnsfl03w.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.theixsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-29_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Flau\u2019jae Johnson<\/a> are the two rookies fans will almost certainly see on the final roster. Fam was selected No. 3 overall, and Johnson was selected No. 8 overall by Golden State and then traded to Seattle.<\/p>\n<p>The 19-year-old Fam has not yet joined her new team and is expected to first finish up her overseas commitments with Valencia Basket in the Spanish league. The 6\u20194 forward-center will come in hoping to make an immediate impact while knowing that her value in the draft was her ceiling and potential for long-term development. She and Malonga will be the youngest frontcourt duo in the league, increasing the value of veterans like Dolson and Magbegor to help them learn.<\/p>\n<p>Johnson, meanwhile, has immediately made herself known in training camp with her energy. The 5\u201910 guard from LSU could be an immediate starter or an explosive punch off the bench.<\/p>\n<p>Seattle\u2019s other two draft picks, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/m\/mairta01w.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.theixsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-29_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Taina Mair<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/v\/vanslgr01w.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.theixsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-29_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Grace VanSlooten<\/a>, could make the final roster, but could also be strong contenders for the two development contract spots now available to teams. The 5\u20199 Mair would provide more depth at point guard, while the 6\u20193 VanSlooten is a dynamic forward with good paint footwork and midrange shooting. Both hope that some version of their effort will immediately translate to the pro level.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"933\" data-attachment-id=\"46894\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/the-ix-basketball-newsroom\/wnba\/seattle-storm\/2026-wnba-season-preview-seattle-storm\/attachment\/dsc08931\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC08931-scaled.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"2560,2333\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;ILCE-7M4&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1777144685&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;200&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;1250&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.00125&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"DSC08931\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Seattle Storm players Elle Ladine and Jaelyn Brown help Grace VanSlooten up off the floor after a foul while Taina Mair and Rennia Davis join their teammates during the preseason game against the Golden State Valkyries on April 25, 2026, at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif. (Photo courtesy of Seattle Storm)&lt;\/p&gt;&#10;\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC08931-1024x933.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DSC08931-1024x933.jpg\" alt=\"Jaelyn Brown pulls Grace VanSlooten's left arm up while Elle Ladine pulls up her left. Taina Mair and Rennia Davis are nearby between Ladine and Brown, gesturing out as if to also help VanSlooten up.\" class=\"wp-image-46894\"  \/>Seattle Storm players Elle Ladine and Jaelyn Brown help Grace VanSlooten up off the floor after a foul while Taina Mair and Rennia Davis join their teammates during the preseason game against the Golden State Valkyries on April 25, 2026, at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif. (Photo courtesy of Seattle Storm)<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m hoping my motor [translates immediately],\u201d VanSlooten said on media day. \u201cI just like to run the floor, and I think that\u2019s something that can translate from that level, so just keeping that high motor and never taking a play off.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cProbably my effort on both ends of the floor,\u201d Mair followed up. \u201cJust being able to pick up defense, picking up full court, going for offensive rebounds, just making all the effort plays.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The two undrafted players invited in, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/l\/ladinel01w.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.theixsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-29_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Elle Ladine<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/wnba\/players\/b\/brownja08w.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=www.theixsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-04-29_bbr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jalyn Brown<\/a> (note the lack of e), face an even tougher road but could also be eyeing those development spots.<\/p>\n<p>Ladine played her college basketball just down the road at the University of Washington, where she was known as a 3-point shooter. The 5\u201911 guard has so far impressed Raman with her tenacity.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI see a lot of toughness out of her, a lot of grit. She comes in confident, and she\u2019s playing super hard in practice,\u201d Raman said on media day.<\/p>\n<p>Ladine played nearly six minutes in the preseason opener, while Brown did not make an appearance despite being healthy and available. Brown\u00a0averaged 11.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists per\u00a0game during\u00a0her senior season at Michigan State University.\u00a0The 6-foot-1 guard also\u00a0shot 51.9% from the field, including 41.3% from behind the arc.\u00a0She played her freshman season at Louisville, then two seasons at Arizona State before making the move to the Spartans.<\/p>\n<p>How Raman wants her team to play<\/p>\n<p>With so many versatile players at her disposal, the first year head coach wants her team to play fast, \u201cpositionless\u201d basketball. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf you can get to the rim, great. But we\u2019re not running to specific spots with specific people. We\u2019re just trying to get down the floor as quickly as we can, and then we\u2019re going to make decisions out of it,\u201d Raman told media on the first day of training camp. \u201cSo that\u2019s going to be really good in terms of those combinations, and all the length we have, get up the floor, run, push the ball, and then that\u2019s also going to translate, obviously, on the defensive end, with the ability to pressure the ball, knowing the help that we have behind, knowing the length, the deflection. So you know you can expect that style of play for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Admittedly, this means that a lot of training camp is focused on training the decision-making and chemistry \u2014 training the players to know each other\u2019s tendencies and strengths so that they can take advantage of the versatility. Usually, this is a style employed with more veteran, experienced teams, but Raman is not concerned about trying to implement it with her young team.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-attachment-id=\"46897\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/the-ix-basketball-newsroom\/wnba\/seattle-storm\/2026-wnba-season-preview-seattle-storm\/attachment\/20260419_first-day_training-camp_fs-12-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260419_First-Day_Training-Camp_FS-12-1-scaled.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1707,2560\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;4&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;ILCE-7M4&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1776628729&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;118&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;4000&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.00125&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"20260419_First Day_Training Camp_FS-12\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Seattle Storm guard Flau\u2019jae Johnson looks on as head coach Sonia Raman talks to her team on the first day of training camp on April 19, 2026, at the BECU Storm Center for Basketball Performance in Seattle, Wash. (Photo courtesy of Seattle Storm)&lt;\/p&gt;&#10;\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260419_First-Day_Training-Camp_FS-12-1-683x1024.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20260419_First-Day_Training-Camp_FS-12-1-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Head coach Sonia Raman holds a piece of paper and stands on the court explaining something with her other hand while Flau'jae Johnson looks on from several feet behind with a focused expression.\" class=\"wp-image-46897\"  \/>Seattle Storm guard Flau\u2019jae Johnson looks on as head coach Sonia Raman talks to her team on the first day of training camp on April 19, 2026, at the BECU Storm Center for Basketball Performance in Seattle, Wash. (Photo courtesy of Seattle Storm)<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think that it\u2019s on us to make sure that it\u2019s simple enough for them to grasp. So I think that what we\u2019re trying to do is simplify it as much as possible, and we\u2019re starting off really slow with it,\u201d Raman told media. \u201cIt\u2019s more about where they\u2019re going on the court than the actual thing that they\u2019re doing. They absolutely have positions, and so they will be tapping into what they do. \u2026 As long as they know what they\u2019re doing, and we keep it really simple. I think there\u2019s a lot of opportunities then to have that optionality, to grow out of it, but we\u2019ll start slow.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Raman knows it will take time to develop chemistry, for her players to understand who they\u2019re on the floor with and what each other\u2019s strengths and weaknesses are, and then to create advantages with that information. But she was <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/features\/why-the-seattle-storm-chose-sonia-raman-as-its-next-head-coach\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">hired because of her focus on development<\/a>, and that will continue with this Storm team all year long.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI don\u2019t want to limit this team. I think the sky is the limit in terms of what we can become with such a young team and such a window to grow together,\u201d Raman said on media day. \u201cIf we\u2019re playing the way we want to play, you\u2019re going to see a team that\u2019s able to play fast but still play under control, a team that really shares the ball and a team that prides themselves on getting stops. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnd I think if we can do those things, then it just comes down to make or miss,\u201d she continued. \u201cAnd you know, I\u2019ll take that. But I think that getting them to go step by step with this process is going to be really important and not thinking in terms of where that ceiling is, but just thinking in terms of growth every day.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/tag\/2026-wnba-season-preview\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Want more team-by-team previews for the 2026 WNBA season? Read them all here!<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-fl-body-bg-background-color has-background has-small-font-size\"><strong>Your business can reach over 3 million women\u2019s sports fans every single month!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Here at <a href=\"http:\/\/thenexthoops.com\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">The IX Basketball<\/a> and <a href=\"http:\/\/theixsports.com\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">The IX Sports<\/a>, our audience is a collection of the smartest, most passionate women\u2019s sports fans in the world. If your business has a mission to serve these fans, reach out to our team at <a data-type=\"mailto\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/the-ix-basketball-newsroom\/wnba\/seattle-storm\/2026-wnba-season-preview-seattle-storm\/mailto:BAlarie@theixsports.com\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theixsports.com\/the-ix-basketball-newsroom\/wnba\/seattle-storm\/2026-wnba-season-preview-seattle-storm\/mailto:BAlarie@theixsports.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">BAlarie@theixsports.com<\/a> to discuss ways to work together.<\/p>\n<p>\n\tRelated<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"SEATTLE \u2014 After losing last season\u2019s top five scorers in free agency, the Seattle Storm were forced into&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":762612,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[49],"tags":[313388,190457,313389,100254,313390,42925,48960,136559,71566,313391,313392,313393,313394,48333,313395,27272,313396,1494,163944,62,9779,301181,67,132,68,232,45506],"class_list":["post-762611","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-wnba","tag-2026-wnba-season-preview","tag-awa-fam","tag-beatrice-mompremier","tag-dominique-malonga","tag-elle-ladine","tag-ezi-magbegor","tag-flaujae-johnson","tag-grace-vanslooten","tag-jade-melbourne","tag-jaelyn-brown","tag-jalyn-brown","tag-jordan-horston","tag-katie-lou-samuelson","tag-lexie-brown","tag-mackenzie-holmes","tag-natisha-hiedeman","tag-rennia-davis","tag-seattle-storm","tag-sonia-raman","tag-sports","tag-stefanie-dolson","tag-taina-mair","tag-united-states","tag-unitedstates","tag-us","tag-wnba","tag-zia-cooke"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/116491054887124868","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/762611","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=762611"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/762611\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/762612"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=762611"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=762611"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=762611"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}