The Seattle Storm is getting ready for a complete transformation after the 2024 WNBA Season drama. They lost their all-star guard in a forced trade, the HC was under investigation, the superstars are looking past their prime, and the injuries continued to stack up. But standing solid through it all, Noelle Quinn and her side are ready to go for a title once again. Recalling Gabby Williams and Nneka Ogwumike, to adding new future star Dominique Malonga, the Northwest franchise is ready for an exciting season.

“This is a top-notch organization, an organization that stands for excellence and integrity. I lead in that way and I want to continue to exemplify that as well.” Coach Quinn put forward her aspirations before the start of a new campaign. The off-season was busy, the training camp had plenty takeaways, and now, the pre-season games are here. But will their first-time core designated player, Gabby Williams, be taking the court on the opening night?

Gabby Williams Update ahead of Preseason Game

After her season-ending knee injury back in 2023, the player has been hyperactive. Gabby played in her third season with Seattle in the WNBA 2024 season and added a silver medal to the collection after the trip to the Paris Olympics with the French National team. Later, she’d play a crucial role in Fenerbahçe’s record 19th league title. But just when you thought she was ready to take the court, Williams will be resting for the first preseason game.

The forward was dominating the Turkish Basketball League before she headed back to W on April 20th. The delay might be the cause of an extended rest, given Williams isn’t suffering any injury. The Storm confirmed that while she had reported to the training camp, she wasn’t able to get to practice the past week. Plus, entering the season healthy as one of the key pieces of the Storm’s defense, is going to be crucial for the team.

Other stars who will miss the start of the season or pre-season games will be Ezi Magbegor (rest) and Katie Lou Samuelson (knee injury). Mackenzie Holmes will also be evaluated on a day-to-day basis, but could be part of pre-season matches. The Storm maybe missing a few pieces, but they know they are ready for whatever’s to come their way.

“The team that we’ve built this year is that maybe anyone can go off any night. It’s not about relying just on one or two players to score,” Williams had said, while Alysha Clark nodded along. So the team’s looking good, and defense even better.

2025 Seattle Storm could be a defensive powerhouse in the season

Trading Jewell Loyd was Seattle’s biggest loss in the 2024 off-season. But moving past the accusations and the tensions that followed, the team will look for some dominating performances on the hardwood. Coach Quinn has a team that can surprise many title-contending teams with a defensive play.

Seattle’s front office received the 2nd overall pick from the LA Sparks in return for the Loyd trade, and the side picked up Dominique Malonga, an all-around 6-ft-6 center with a 7-ft-1 wingspan. The 19-year-old could marshal the paint area. Gabby Williams, the defensive player at the Paris Olympics, will once again be a key player guarding the wings for her side.

Nneka Ogwumike, the seven-time All-Defence nominee and veteran rim protector Ezi Magebegor, had been in sync with each other. The addition of Alysha Clark from the Aces gives the Seattle franchise more depth in defence and Quinn could field at least two elite defenders at a time to lock down the opposition.

Storm will be coming for the title. Is the league ready to get past them?