Tag: Basketball

Sports

Sonia Raman Becomes the First Indian-American Woman to Lead a WNBA Team

Tanisha Cardozo

Sonia Raman’s story is one of courage, purpose, and quiet persistence — a journey defined by bold choices and unshakable belief. A former basketball player at Tufts University, Raman earned her law degree from Boston College and began her career as an attorney. But the courtroom wasn’t where her heart was — her true calling was on the basketball court.

Taking a leap of faith, she left law to pursue coaching full-time, joining the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she led the women’s basketball team for over a decade. Her leadership and dedication to player development earned her a reputation as one of the most respected coaches in collegiate basketball.

In 2020, Raman broke another barrier by joining the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies as an assistant coach, bringing her strategic mind and analytical approach to the professional arena. Now, she’s made history once again — appointed as the head coach of the Seattle Storm, becoming the first Indian-American woman to lead a WNBA team.

Her achievement is not only a personal milestone but also a significant moment for representation in sports. For many women, immigrants, and aspiring athletes of color, Raman’s rise symbolizes what’s possible when passion meets purpose. Her journey is proof that there is no single path to success — only the courage to follow one’s own.

Sports

Cheryl Reeve Blasts WNBA Officiating After Napheesa Collier Injury in Semifinal Loss

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve didn’t hold back following a controversial and emotionally charged Game 3 loss to the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA semifinals. The 84–76 defeat not only put the Lynx on the brink of elimination, trailing 2-1 in the best-of-five series—it also may have cost them their MVP-caliber forward Napheesa Collier.

Collier, who averaged 22.9 points this season and finished as the WNBA MVP runner-up, was injured late in the game after enduring a series of hard, seemingly unchecked physical plays by Phoenix. Reeve’s frustration reached a boiling point with just 23.8 seconds left, when Phoenix’s Alyssa Thomas made a no-call steal on Collier that ended in a game-sealing layup. Reeve stormed onto the court and was quickly ejected after receiving her second technical foul of the night.

Postgame, Reeve ripped into the officiating, the league, and its leadership in a rare, raw display of anger and concern.

“This is the look that our league wants, for some reason,” she said. “We were trying to play through it, we tried not to make excuses. One of the best players in the league shot zero free throws. Zero, and she had five fouls. Got her shoulder pulled out and finished the game with her leg being taken out, and probably has a fracture.”

Reeve didn’t stop there, calling the referee crew’s assignment to a semifinal game “malpractice” and criticizing the entire officiating selection process.

“I want to call for a change in leadership at the league level when it comes to officiating. It’s bad for the game,” she said.

Statistically, the disparity was clear. The Mercury attempted 22 free throws, converting 18. The Lynx only shot 11—making 10 of them. Despite her aggressive playstyle and involvement in several key collisions, Collier didn’t earn a single trip to the line.

The 29-year-old forward still managed to finish with 17 points and six rebounds before exiting in visible pain. Her status going forward is uncertain, though Reeve hinted the injury could be serious.

The Lynx will now face an elimination scenario in Game 4, with both their season and their star player’s health hanging in the balance. But win or lose, Reeve’s comments signal a broader reckoning coming for the WNBA—one that demands accountability not just on the court, but in the league office.

Sports

India Wins Silver at Women’s Asia Cup 2025 After Intense Final Against Hosts China

Tanisha Cardozo

Hangzhou, 14th September 2025: The Indian Women’s Hockey Team wrapped up an inspiring campaign at the Women’s Asia Cup 2025 with a Silver Medal, following a 1-4 defeat against hosts China in the final. The match began in the best possible fashion for India as veteran forward Navneet Kaur found the back of the net in the very first minute, converting a penalty corner with a powerful strike to give India an early 1-0 lead.

China responded quickly, increasing the intensity and pressing the Indian defense with persistent attacks throughout the first half. Despite the pressure, India’s defense held firm for much of the first quarter. Goalkeeper Bichu Devi produced a string of excellent saves, and defender Sunelita Toppo made a crucial goalline block in the fourth minute. Another penalty corner for China in the 15th minute was effectively nullified by India’s first rusher, preserving the lead.

In the second quarter, China continued to press, earning another penalty corner in the 17th minute and forcing another top-class save from Bichu Devi. However, their persistence paid off in the 21st minute when captain Ou Zixia converted a penalty corner to level the score. The teams went into halftime tied 1-1, with everything to play for.

India came out strong in the third quarter, dominating possession and making repeated circle entries in search of a go-ahead goal. However, a missed penalty corner in the 40th minute opened the door for a swift Chinese counterattack. Li Hong capitalized on the opportunity, making a solo run and delivering a backhanded shot into the bottom corner to give China a 2-1 lead.

China extended their advantage in the fourth quarter. In the 51st minute, Ying Zhang delivered a perfect pass inside the circle, which Zou Meirong tapped in with a first-touch finish. Just two minutes later, Zhong Jiaqi made a run from the right flank, cutting into the circle and slotting a precise shot past the Indian goalkeeper to make it 4-1.

Despite the loss, India’s performance in the final and throughout the tournament displayed resilience, talent, and determination. The Silver Medal marks a proud moment for Indian women’s hockey and highlights the continued rise of the team on the Asian stage. With promising young players and experienced leaders like Navneet Kaur, India remains a strong contender in international women’s hockey.

International

WNBA All-Stars Light Up the Orange Carpet with Style and Confidence

Tanisha Cardozo

The WNBA All-Star Weekend kicked off in pure style as athletes made a bold statement on the orange carpet in Indianapolis. Held at the convention center, Thursday evening wasn’t just a prelude to the weekend’s sporting action—it was a celebration of self-expression, individuality, and empowerment through fashion.

The moment the athletes stepped out, the crowd erupted with cheers. Leading the style parade was Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum, who looked radiant in a shimmering red dress and heels, sharing that the whole experience was “a lot of fun.”

Joining her in the spotlight was Aliyah Boston of the Indiana Fever, stunning in a dark-toned gown that reflected elegance and power. “It adds something special for the fans,” she said, smiling.

Chicago Sky’s breakout star Angel Reese brought drama in a leopard-print coat and sunglasses, returning after missing last year’s event. She wasn’t the only one turning heads—A’ja Wilson, the Las Vegas Aces’ reigning MVP, stepped out in a maroon Di Petsa gown with a daring slit, paired with Saint Laurent gold earrings that glimmered under the lights.

Not all players chose glitz—Natasha Cloud of the New York Liberty kept things grounded with a sharp pants-and-shirt combo, revealing she was a bit nervous about the walk. “I’m just here to enjoy the moment and have fun,” she said.

Minnesota Lynx star and mom Napheesa Collier looked radiant but playfully admitted she may have opted for a different outfit had she realized there’d be so many children watching.

Fashion has always had a presence in the WNBA, with “Tunnel Fits” becoming a staple of athlete branding. But Thursday night pushed that to the forefront, making the orange carpet a canvas for empowerment, pride, and style.

With the perfect blend of fierce fashion and elite athleticism, the WNBA stars proved that confidence isn’t just for the court—it shines just as bright off it.