Talitha Rea began her journey with the Seattle Storm over ten years ago as an intern in the WNBA team’s video department. A standout basketball player from Juneau-Douglas High School, she has climbed the ranks within the organization and has been the general manager for the last five years.
Starting in the video department, Rea gained valuable insights into the workings of the team, from coaching strategies to administrative support, which helped her develop a comprehensive understanding of the sport. She was named Alaska’s Gatorade Player of the Year in 2006-07, became the video coordinator in 2015, and advanced to director of basketball operations in 2016.
In 2019, Rea moved up to assistant general manager and was promoted to general manager before the 2021 WNBA Draft. She credits her growth to hands-on experience and the support from the Storm’s leadership, including team president Alisha Valavanis. Under her tenure, Seattle won two WNBA championships, in 2018 and 2020.
After a noteworthy high school and college basketball career—starting at Oregon State and finishing at Seattle University—Rea even played professionally in Poland for a year. She later earned a master’s degree in sports management from the University of Illinois, gaining experience coaching at the high school level before returning to Seattle for an internship, which eventually led to a full-time role with the Storm.
Initially considering a coaching career, Rea found herself drawn to the operational and business roles behind the scenes of a basketball team. She appreciates the blend of basketball passion with front office responsibilities that her current position offers.
In building the Storm’s roster, Rea focuses on collaboration, team culture, and chemistry rather than just maximizing individual talent. She emphasizes finding players who fit the team’s culture and can work well together on and off the court.
Rea feels privileged to be part of the growing momentum in women’s basketball and values the strong support from Seattle fans. She remains proud of her Alaskan roots, highlighting the importance of community throughout her upbringing, and hopes the Storm will one day bring basketball programs and events to Alaska—emulating the Seahawks and Kraken.
Her story is a testament to how dedication and opportunities can lead to success in professional sports, even from places without major league teams. Rea encourages aspiring athletes and sports professionals from Alaska to keep working hard, build connections, and pursue their dreams relentlessly.
Fan Take: Talitha Rea’s rise from intern to general manager embodies the growing opportunities for women in sports leadership, highlighting the expanding roles and influence of women in the WNBA. Her story inspires fans and players alike, signaling a bright future for the league as it continues to flourish and attract top talent both on and off the court.
