Noelle Quinn transitions to Seattle Storm assistant coach

FAIRFAX, VA - SEPTEMBER 12: The Seattle Storm celebrate after winning Game 3 of the WNBA Finals between the Washington Mystics and the Seattle Storm at George Mason University on September 12, 2018, in Fairfax, VA. The Seattle Storm swept the Washington Mystics in three games in win the title. (Photo by Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
FAIRFAX, VA - SEPTEMBER 12: The Seattle Storm celebrate after winning Game 3 of the WNBA Finals between the Washington Mystics and the Seattle Storm at George Mason University on September 12, 2018, in Fairfax, VA. The Seattle Storm swept the Washington Mystics in three games in win the title. (Photo by Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Longtime Storm guard moves to coaching role.

On Thursday, the Seattle Storm announced that guard Noelle Quinn will end her playing career and transition to an assistant coaching role on Dan Hughes’ staff.

After 12 years in the WNBA, including 138 of her final 185 games in Seattle, Quinn will hang up her jersey and support the Storm in a different capacity. A dedicated member of the team for the majority of the last six years, she now has the opportunity to help the Storm try to defend its 2018 WNBA championship as a coach.

“To be able to play over a decade in the world’s best league has been a dream come true,” Quinn said. “I’ve been fortunate to share the floor with legendary players and learn from outstanding coaches. Winning a championship in Seattle is definitely the highlight of my career to date, and I am looking forward to the transition to the coaching staff.”

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Drafted 4th overall by the Minnesota Lynx in 2007, Quinn spent the first six years of her career with the Lynx, the Los Angeles Sparks, and the Washington Mystics before joining the Storm in 2013. After a brief stint with the Phoenix Mercury, she returned to the Seattle Storm via a trade in June 2016.

Throughout her long career, Quinn averaged 4.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.

When not suiting up for Seattle, she spent the last three offseasons at her alma mater — Bishop Montgomery High School in Torrance, California — as the head coach of the girl’s basketball team. In her second season as the head coach, she led the Lady Knights to the Del Rey League title.

Adding Quinn to the Seattle coaching staff ensures continuity for a team hungry for another championship. While she won’t be in a jersey, her basketball IQ and presence on the bench will be vital for the Storm in 2019.

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