Four-time Olympian Natalie Achonwa is heading back to the WNBA — this time on the sidelines. The Seattle Storm has hired the former pro player and current University of Michigan women’s basketball general manager as an assistant coach for the 2026 season.
Achonwa will finish the current season with Michigan before officially joining the Storm later this year. Her move marks a powerful next step in a career that has already included Olympic appearances, WNBA honors, and strong results as a college basketball leader.
Seattle Storm Adds Proven Leader to 2026 Coaching Staff
The Seattle Storm announced Achonwa’s hiring as part of a broader coaching update. She will join new head coach Sonia Raman, who was hired in November, along with assistant coaches Jarell Christian and Michael Joiner.
Although Achonwa is new to the Storm’s bench, she is not new to leadership. She currently serves as general manager and assistant coach for the Michigan Wolverines women’s basketball. Before that, she worked as an assistant coach for player development.
Because of her experience as both a player and executive, Achonwa brings a rare mix of locker-room credibility and front-office vision. That balance is expected to strengthen a Storm franchise preparing for the 2026 season.
Michigan’s 22-4 Season Highlights Achonwa’s Coaching Impact
Under Achonwa’s leadership, Michigan has posted an impressive 22-4 overall record this season, including a 13-2 mark in Big Ten Conference play. The team currently sits at No. 6 in the AP Poll, one of the highest rankings in program history.
Her coaching influence goes beyond wins and losses. Achonwa has helped develop players while also supporting the overall direction of the program. As a result, Michigan has positioned itself as one of the top teams in the country.
Earlier in her coaching career, Achonwa also served as an assistant coach for Canada’s U19 World Cup team in 2025. That international experience further reflects her ability to lead at multiple levels of the game.
From WNBA Standout to Olympic Veteran
Before stepping into coaching, Achonwa built a strong playing career. She is a four-time Canadian Olympian, competing in 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024. Her experience on the world stage shaped the leadership style she now brings to the bench.
In the WNBA, she was selected ninth overall in the 2014 draft by the Indiana Fever. She played for the Fever from 2015 to 2020. After spending time overseas, she returned to the league with the Minnesota Lynx from 2021 to 2023.
During her professional career, Achonwa earned All-Rookie Team honors in 2014. She also received the 2019 WNBA Community Assist Award and the 2020 Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award. Those recognitions highlight not only her performance on the court but also her impact off it.
Supporting Women in Coaching and the Future of the WNBA
Achonwa’s transition into coaching has also included advocacy and support for women in leadership. In 2024, she was the first recipient of the Alex Morgan Foundation’s Coaching Moms Initiative, a grant program that provides childcare assistance to high-potential college coaches.
Meanwhile, the WNBA faces uncertainty as the league and players continue negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement. The season is scheduled to begin May 8, but talks remain ongoing. Even so, the Storm’s decision to strengthen its coaching staff signals confidence in the future.
For Achonwa, this move represents more than a new job. It reflects a steady climb from Olympic athlete to respected coach — and now, a leader shaping the next generation of WNBA talent.
