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Noelle Quinn

Noelle Quinn– WNBA News, Rumors & Updates, Stats

Who is Noelle Quinn?

Noelle Quinn is an American basketball coach and former WNBA player who currently serves as the head coach of the Seattle Storm. A respected leader known for her calm demeanor and emotional intelligence, she is the only Black woman coaching a WNBA team as of 2025. Quinn made a swift transition from player to coach, helping the Storm rebuild and cultivate a culture centered around trust, growth, and connection.

Quick Facts: Noelle Quinn

Detail Information
Full Name Noelle Quinn
Born January 3, 1985 (Age: 40)
Hometown Los Angeles, California, USA
Nationality American
Height (Player) 6 ft 0 in
College UCLA (2003–2007)
WNBA Draft 2007 – 1st Round, 4th Overall (Minnesota Lynx)
WNBA Career 2007–2018: Lynx, Sparks, Mystics, Mercury, Storm
As Player WNBA Champion (2018), 12 seasons
Coaching Career Seattle Storm assistant (2019), associate HC (2020–2021), HC (2021–present)
Titles as Coach WNBA Champion (2020, as assistant), Commissioner’s Cup (2021)
Notable Achievements Only person to win WNBA title as player & coach, long-tenured female Black head coach
Coaching Style Servant leadership, emotional intelligence, player-first
Social Media @noelle_quinn (Instagram/X)

Early Life & Playing Career

Born on January 3, 1985, in Los Angeles, California, Quinn starred at Bishop Montgomery High School before playing college ball at UCLA (2003–2007). She was drafted 4th overall in the 2007 WNBA Draft by the Minnesota Lynx and enjoyed a 12-season career including stints with five different teams. Quinn averaged 4.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game and won a WNBA Championship with the Seattle Storm in 2018.

Coaching Career & Achievements

Quinn began her coaching career with the Storm as an assistant in 2019, rose to associate head coach in 2020, and took over as head coach in 2021 following Dan Hughes’s retirement. She is the only person in league history to win a WNBA title both as a player (2018) and as a coach (2020). Under her leadership, the team captured the Commissioner’s Cup title in 2021, and she’ll soon hold the distinction of being one of the longest-tenured coaches in the high-turnover league. In September 2023, she signed a multi-year extension to remain at the helm.

Coaching Philosophy & Leadership

Quinn is praised for her servant-leader style, emphasizing player development, trust, and connection rather than authoritarian tactics. Players like Skylar Diggins-Smith describe her as “a basketball savant,” while teammate Nneka Ogwumike highlights her blend of grace and grit. Despite navigating significant challenges—like complaint investigations regarding player treatment (later cleared)—she remained grounded and committed to building an inclusive, resilient team culture