Noelia Cacheiro the Head Coach of Newcastle Eagles Women’s British Basketball League side looks to have pulled off a real coup by securing the signature of Celena Taborn to her roster for the 2023/24 season.

Taborn a 6’ 3” Centre led the NCAA Division 1 standings in field goal percentage in her final college year at Butler University in 2021/22. The former Bulldog shot an astonishing 71.4% from the floor to average 12.8 points per game with 5.5 rebounds a game thrown in.

Taborn a 6’ 3” Centre led the NCAA Division 1 standings in field goal percentage in her final college year at Butler University in 2021/22. (Photo: Butler University)

Statistics that earned her a rookie professional season in Ireland’s Super League with Dublin’s Trinity Meteors last season. Her presence as a Meteor caused a real storm and she led her team to a National Cup Final and a final four play-off place.


The Meteors lost the cup final 96 – 70 to powerhouse Killester but not before Taborn poured in 25 points in opposition. During a successful first season as a professional the Centre was runner-up in the December Player of the Month ratings and also made January’s Team of the Month.

Hailing from Sidney, Ohio, Taborn spent her first four years of college eligibility at Furman University before switching to Butler for that final senior year prior to starting her professional career in Ireland.

Eagles Head Coach Cacheiro had this to say about Taborn.


“Celena is an exciting player. I think one that the league and the fans will enjoy watching. Her skillset is going to allow us all to see some great post moves and definitely be an inside threat for any opponent.”

During a successful first season as a professional the Centre was runner-up in the December Player of the Month ratings and also made January’s Team of the Month. (Photo: Trinity Meteors)

I am looking forward to seeing her wearing the Newcastle colours, and for her to get to know her teammates and coaching staff. She is the last signing that completes a competitive team for the upcoming season” added Cacheiro.

Taborn is thrilled to become part of the renowned Eagles franchise and family for the 2023/24 regular season stating.

“I’m looking forward to growing together as a team and helping this program in any way I can. I can’t wait to get to work and meet my new teammates. I am thankful for the opportunity to play for the Eagles! Most of all I am super excited to meet all the Eagles fans.”


Taborn will take her place on the Eagles roster who start their British Basketball League campaign at Manchester Giants on Sunday 22 October before opening their home games on Saturday 28 October at 7:30pm at the Vertu Motors Arena against highly rated Caledonia Gladiators.

Tickets for this are available at newcastle-eagles.com/boxoffice where season cards are also still available with big discounts and benefits.