Seattle Storm co-owner Dawn Trudeau starts her gameday at 6:30 am, checking New York Times headlines before doing physical therapy exercises on the floor with her cats, Stewie and Jewell, named after former Storm stars Breanna Stewart and Jewell Loyd. This routine is part of her typical 24 hours during a preseason game against the Portland Fire, one of the WNBA's newest expansion teams.
Morning Rituals and Cat Companions
Trudeau, a key member of the Force 10 Hoops ownership group that saved the Storm from relocation in 2008, emphasizes the importance of her morning routine. "I get great help from my cats," she says with a laugh. "A lot of the exercises are on the floor, right there with them. Oftentimes they're in my way, but it's part of our mutual morning routine between the three of us." After exercise, she brews coffee in a Storm mug and selects a game-day shirt from her three packed drawers of team merchandise. She also has a "lucky" jade necklace she wore during the 2010 championship season, though she admits it doesn't guarantee wins.
From Season Ticket Holder to Owner
Trudeau's journey with the Storm began in 2000, when she bought four season tickets on day one. "Part of my mission in life is gender equity," she explains. When the Sonics left Seattle in 2008, Trudeau and other local women formed Force 10 Hoops to purchase the Storm, keeping the team in the Pacific Northwest. Today, the franchise boasts four WNBA championships and legends like Sue Bird, Breanna Stewart, and Jewell Loyd. Trudeau still holds those original season tickets, often giving them to friends and meeting for pregame meals at local spots like Uptown China, where she bonds with the female owner.
Pregame Preparation and Arena Atmosphere
Trudeau arrives at Climate Pledge Arena around 6:30 pm, 12 hours after waking. She walks the concourse to gauge the vibe, checking the team shop and concession stands. "I like to walk around and get a vibe," she says. "I also go by the concession stands – I just like to know what's happening in the arena." She may watch players take early shots, purely for enjoyment. As a hands-off owner, she trusts her staff for basketball decisions. "You have to believe in your staff," Trudeau says. "They know more than you do. Even though I'm paying close attention, I don't necessarily have the skills of a GM."
Rebuilding Season and Young Talent
The Storm are currently rebuilding, sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference with a young roster including rookie Flau'jae Johnson and 6ft 6in center Dominique Malonga. Trudeau notes there is "less pressure" this season but excitement for growth. "We are just beside ourselves with excitement to have such great young talent," she says. The preseason game against Portland marks Seattle's first home game of the year, offering a chance to test operations and see how the new team performs. Trudeau anticipates a "friendly rivalry" with the Fire in coming years.
Game Time and Postgame Connections
During the game, Trudeau and other co-owners stay away from players and coaches to avoid distraction. "They're focused on the game," she says. "You don't want to do anything to distract them from the plan." After the game, they visit the locker room to offer praise or check on health issues. "Typically, we won't make a comment unless someone had a great game," Trudeau explains. "You're just trying to make a human connection." Sue Bird, a four-time champion with the Storm, is now part of the ownership group, continuing the legacy of creating opportunities for women. "Since we bought the team 18 years ago, we've wanted to create more opportunities for women, and particularly for our league and players," Trudeau says.
