Legendary Storm broadcaster Elise Woodward leaves for an expansion WNBA team, ending an era for the franchise. A shooting in the city left one person injured. In baseball, the Seattle Mariners suffered their fifth straight loss, falling to the Texas Rangers 3-0.
An era ends: legendary Storm broadcaster Elise Woodward departs for expansion WNBA team
In the sports world, where players and coaches often take center stage, the departure of a voice that has been an integral part of a team’s story for nearly two decades becomes an event filled with nostalgia and gratitude. That is the case with Elise Woodward, whose move from the Seattle Storm to the new Portland Fire marks the end of an era for the WNBA franchise.
Woodward joined the Storm in 2001, before stars like Sue Bird arrived and before the team’s first championship in 2004. Over 19 years as an analyst she became the living chronicle of the club, calling more than 600 games. In her interview with The Seattle Times she recalls her journey with warmth and a touch of sadness. “When you say it like that, I sound old,” she jokes. But behind the joke lie years of deep ties to the team, the organization, and—most importantly—to the fans. Woodward speaks with great respect about Storm supporters, especially those known as the “Storm Crazies”—devoted fans from the team’s earliest days. She calls their support phenomenal and key to basketball’s survival in Seattle.
Asked about the most important moment in the franchise’s history, Woodward immediately names not a sporting victory but the 2008 local ownership group’s move to save the team when the Storm could have been disbanded or relocated to Oklahoma City. She expresses endless gratitude for that action, which made it possible not only for the team to continue but also for professionals like her to remain. Because of that decision she was able to call the Storm’s three championship seasons (2004, 2010, 2018). Among players she has a special fondness for Australian legend Lauren Jackson, whom Woodward describes as “an absolute force” and “the toughest trash-talker on the court,” admiring her versatility and fighting spirit. Among coaches she fondly remembers Anne Donovan, the first female coach to win a WNBA title, who generously shared knowledge and helped her prepare for broadcasts.
The move to the Portland Fire is not just a job change but a significant step in the career of 51-year-old Woodward. For the Eugene, Oregon, native it is a return to her home state. More importantly, she will take on the role of play-by-play announcer, a rare achievement for a woman in the sports broadcasting industry. Until now she mostly worked as an analyst or as a commentator on neutral networks like ESPN or the Pac-12 Network. Woodward explains the difference: when you represent a specific team, you have the opportunity to truly immerse yourself in its history, invent nicknames for players, and deliver a more emotional, engaged narrative. She speaks enthusiastically about “representing women as play-by-play announcers.” Her broadcast partner in Portland will be analyst Aja Ellison.
Her departure leaves a significant gap in the Storm’s broadcast team. Dick Fain, her longtime booth partner, will return for his 19th season, and analyst duties will be filled by Alyssa Charlston-Smith. The team will also bring in former stars as analysts—Crystal Langhorne and LaToya Clarendon—as well as former coach Dan Hughes. While Woodward begins a new chapter in Portland, the Storm enter an active offseason: on the first day of free-agent negotiations the Minnesota Lynx were visited by Storm star Nneka Ogwumike, whose contract is expiring.
Elise Woodward’s departure is more than a personnel change. It is a farewell to a voice that for many fans was a guide into the world of Seattle women’s basketball, the narrator of its triumphs, and the keeper of its memory. Her career reflects the growth of the WNBA itself and the slow but steady expansion of opportunities for women not only on the court but also behind the microphone. Her legacy in Seattle is hundreds of games, three championship titles, and an invaluable contribution to promoting a sport she sincerely loves.
Shooting in South Seattle: one person injured
On Wednesday afternoon a shooting in South Seattle left one person injured. The incident occurred at the intersection of Rainier Avenue S and S Othello Street, according to Seattle police. The exact condition of the victim is not yet known, but it is reported they sustained injuries. A KING 5 news crew was dispatched to the scene to gather additional information.
Due to the investigation, traffic in both directions on S Othello Street at Rainier Avenue S is fully blocked. Drivers are strongly advised to use alternate routes to avoid delays. This is a developing situation and details continue to be clarified. As noted in a Yahoo News report, police are working at the scene, but the motives for the shooting and the identity of a suspect have not been released. Such incidents, unfortunately, remain part of the crime narrative in various parts of the city, raising concerns among residents. Additional information about the victim’s condition and any arrests is expected to be released soon.
Texas Rangers finish off sweep, send Seattle Mariners to fifth straight loss
Recap: On Wednesday the Texas Rangers dealt the Seattle Mariners a crushing 3-0 loss, completing a three-game sweep. The Mariners, who managed just two hits all game, suffered their fifth consecutive loss, while Rangers starter Mackenzie Gore dominated the mound, allowing only one hit over five innings.
In the game, detailed by Seattle Sports, the decisive moment came in the fifth inning, where Texas scored all three runs. After singles by Danny Jansen and Josh Smith, Ezequiel Duran loaded the bases with another single. A subsequent Seattle defensive misplay on an attempted double play allowed Brandon Nimmo to reach first on a fielder’s choice, enabling Jansen and Smith to score. Corey Seager added a sacrifice fly, bringing Duran home and making the final score 3-0. For those less familiar with baseball terminology, a “sacrifice fly” is a fly ball caught in the outfield that allows a runner to score after the catch, earning the team a run.
Mackenzie Gore, earning his second win of the season with no losses, was virtually untouchable, recording nine strikeouts and allowing just two walks. His dominance set the tone for the game. On the Mariners’ side, Bryan Woo took the loss, allowing three runs, only one of which was earned, underscoring the role of defensive mistakes in the defeat. Seattle managed only two singles—by Mitch Garver and Cole Young—and struck out 13 times, highlighting struggles in their offense.
After Gore exited, the Rangers’ bullpen of Chris Martin, Luis Curvelo, and Cole Winn closed out the game flawlessly, preserving the shutout and allowing just one additional hit. This loss was the Mariners’ fifth straight, a worrying start to the season. Both teams now get a day off before resuming play: the Mariners travel to Houston to face the Astros, while the Rangers host the Los Angeles Dodgers.
