A first storage controller that is part of a cluster of storage controllers includes an interface to communicate with at least one storage subsystem having a storage volume, where the first storage controller is initially assigned to process requests for the storage volume. The first storage controller further includes a processor to receive requests to access the storage volume, where the requests include client requests from one or more client computers and proxy requests from one or more other storage controllers in the cluster. Based on monitoring the client requests and the proxy requests, it is determined that a second of the storage controllers in the cluster is to be assigned to process requests for the storage volume. In response to the determining, control of the storage volume is transferred from the first storage controller to the second storage controller.