Noelle Quinn: Leading with Heart, Building a Legacy at the Seattle Storm
VIDEO: Noelle Quinn interview on Back2Besa (Converge Media / FOX13 Seattle)
By Omari Salisbury
Last month, inside the Seattle Storm Center for Basketball Performance, a conversation unfolded that went beyond Xs and Os. It was an exploration of leadership, resilience, and the profound impact of mentorship. I sat down with Noelle Quinn, the head coach of the Seattle Storm, to delve into her journey, her philosophy, and her vision for the future of the team and women in sports.
Quinn, a Southern California native, exuded a quiet confidence and genuine warmth. This wasn’t just a coach talking strategy; this was a leader speaking from the heart, driven by a desire to leave a lasting legacy. "I try to live by being a transformative leader," Quinn shared, emphasizing that her role extends beyond wins and losses. "It's about impacting the individuals that I'm leading... I want to make sure that when I exit a room or when I exit someone's presence, that there's something about me that seems special for them."
Her journey from player to coach was swift, a surprise even to her. But it’s a transition she’s embraced with open arms, fueled by the belief of those around her. In 2021, she was elevated to head coach, a testament to her leadership qualities and deep understanding of the game. "That was a huge surprise for me," Quinn admitted, "but one I hold with honor."
Quinn’s leadership philosophy is rooted in building relationships and fostering a cohesive team dynamic. She acknowledges the challenges of working with diverse personalities and communication styles, but she remains focused on the common goal: winning together. "Basketball is not an individual sport," she stated. "It's a team sport with very good individuals and talent. But the goal is to always keep the team's goals first."
Player development is a cornerstone of Quinn's coaching. She cited Jordan Horston as a prime example, highlighting the significant growth she witnessed in Horston's rookie year and beyond. "The communication level that me and her had, pouring into her, the reciprocity... she wanted to be great, that she wanted to be at her very best."
Navigating adversity and conflict is another key aspect of Quinn’s leadership. She stressed the importance of communication – not just speaking, but also listening and understanding. “Growth is not linear,” she explained. “There are going to be some ups and downs, and there are going to be times where you have to really fight through some adversity.”
Looking back on her career, Quinn emphasized the value of resilience and perseverance. She leans on her faith and her support system during challenging times, recognizing that basketball is what she does, not who she is. "Adversity reveals character," she noted. "It's about how do we move through them? How do we be the best example that we can be?"
When asked about being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, Quinn acknowledged that she’s been fortunate. Working for an organization led by strong women has shielded her from many of the obstacles others face. "I've always had women around me, powerful women around me, experience around me that have showed me the way."
For young women aspiring to leadership roles, Quinn's advice is clear: find a mentor, dream big, and do your due diligence. She emphasized the importance of seeing women in leadership positions, which makes those dreams seem more attainable. "I think now we're in a season of life where women are doing a lot of things," she said. "They're leading... that can provide exposure for young individuals."
As for the upcoming Storm season, Quinn is enthusiastic. With a strong returning core and key free agent signings, she’s anticipating competitive, intense, and fun basketball. She also highlighted the electric atmosphere at the Storm’s home games, describing it as family-friendly and filled with enthusiastic fans.
In closing, Quinn shared her vision for her legacy: to be impactful, to lead with integrity, and to inspire others. "My charge to women in leadership would be to be 100% authentically yourself," she said. "Don't take it too seriously and have fun."
Leaving the Seattle Storm Performance Center, it was clear that Noelle Quinn is more than just a coach. She’s a leader, a mentor, and a role model, shaping not only the future of the Seattle Storm but also the future of women in sports. Her commitment to building relationships, fostering growth, and leaving a lasting impact is evident in every word she speaks and every action she takes. The Storm, and the broader community, are fortunate to have her at the helm.
