A Fresh Chapter Begins: Storm Reimagine Roster With Fresh Faces and Veterans Ready to Lead

April 20, 2026 – Seattle, WA – Day two of training camp for the Seattle Storm offered more than introductions, it revealed the heart of a team beginning again. At the 2026 Media Day, newly signed veterans and rookies alike spoke with a shared tone of gratitude, perseverance, and belief in what lies ahead.

With a new head coach, Sonia Raman, and much of last season’s starting lineup now with other franchises, the Storm enter this year as a team reborn. The message was consistent throughout the day: this is a clean slate, one filled with opportunity, growth, and collective responsibility.

Veteran Leadership, Fresh Perspective

For seasoned center Stefanie Dolson, the move to Seattle marks a surprising first. Despite years in the league, she had never truly experienced the city. Now, she’s eager to do more than just explore, she’s ready to lead.

Dolson emphasized her role as a mentor for the team’s younger players, bringing stability and confidence built on years of accolades. With nothing left to prove individually, her focus is firmly on elevating those around her.

Ezi Magbegor, meanwhile, is prioritizing her health as she works her way back to full strength recovering from an injury. While her exact role in the lineup remains uncertain, she made it clear she intends to anchor the team defensively once she returns.

Energy won’t be in short supply with Natisha Hiedeman joining the mix. Bringing what she called the “stud budz party” to Seattle, Hiedeman offered a lighthearted take on her arrival praising the coffee, critiquing the roads, and expressing excitement about building chemistry, particularly with the rookies.

For Katie Lou Samuelson, the journey back has been deeply personal. After extensive rehab at the team’s facility, she reflected on balancing recovery with motherhood, describing the latter as the greater challenge. Her approach is steady and intentional: one day at a time, rebuilding confidence along the way.

Growth Through Adversity – Resilience emerged as a defining theme.

Jordan Horston spoke candidly about her return from injury, crediting her faith and personal reflection for shaping her mindset. Rather than viewing her setback as purely negative, she described it as transformative and opportunity to grow beyond basketball.

“There’s no one leader,” Horston said. “Everyone has a voice.”

It’s a philosophy that reflects the team’s broader identity shift: leadership by committee in a season where everyone must step up.

Lexi Brown shared her own journey, opening up about managing Crohn’s disease. With the support of an on-site nutritionist, she’s found new strength in her training and is optimistic about working under Coach Raman’s system.

Rookies and Returners: A Shared Dream – Excitement radiated from the team’s younger players and returnees.

Jade Melbourne beamed as she spoke about her return to Seattle after time with the Washington Mystics, expressing genuine love for the city and enthusiasm for rejoining the Storm.

Zia Cooke‘s opportunity carries deep meaning.

“Seattle is the only place that gave me a chance,”

she said, offering advice to younger players: stay confident, even when things don’t go your way.

Mackenzie Holmes echoed that sentiment with a message rooted in authenticity and faith. She described Seattle as a place where “Players can truly be themselves”, adding that her athleticism and quickness will make an immediate impact. Her advice to fellow rookies was simple but powerful:

“Be a disrupter. Believe in yourself.”

Taina Mair called training camp “a dream come true”, the Boston native recalled the moment it all felt real (walking into her new apartment and seeing Storm gear waiting for her). She highlighted her rebounding as her key strength.

Grace VanSlooten praised the welcoming environment and veteran leadership. “Everyone is super supportive,” she said.

And in a lighter moment, Jalyn Brown joked about potential confusion with a similarly named teammate, suggesting her nickname “Ice” might be the easiest solution for now.

Second-year forward Dominique Malonga offered a grounded perspective: each season brings new lessons, but she no longer views them as “challenges, just part of the journey”.

Flau’jae Johnson shared a light hearted story about her journey to the WNBA, talking about the time her mom pushed her to chase both her loves: basketball and music.

said Storm General Manager Talisa Rhea. “Her playmaking, ability to score in multiple ways and energy on both ends of the court will impact our team immediately. ”

Also present were: Rennia Davis & Beatrice Mompremier and Elle Ladine

The Storm’s N0.3 draft pick Awa Fam was not present for media day.

Up Next: Players will end a week of practices with their first pre-season game on Saturday, April 25, against the Golden State Valkyries at 7 PM at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California.

The Storm’s first pre-season match is on Wednesday, April 29th, at 7 PM at Climate Pledge Arena, where they will host Portland’s new team, the Fire.

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