Newcastle Eagles women’s roster for 2024/25 is coming together nicely as head coach Matt Newby adds a returning fans favourite to the fore.
Power forward Chloe Gaynor will lace them up and step onto the court for her fourth consecutive campaign as an Eagle to bolster their inside strength.
Last season Gaynor was a vital component of the team that went all the way to The O2 Play-Offs Final.
Averaging 5.9 points and 6.2 rebounds per game Gaynor was one of the unsung heroes of the roster and came up huge in that playoff run with match winning plays at the death of both the quarter final against Sheffield and semi-final against Caledonia.
Newby is hoping for more of the same from one of the most popular figures around the Newcastle franchise as he confirmed her return to the Vertu Motors Arena.
“Returning Chloe is important for continuity and for insuring quality in the forward line,” said coach Newby.
“She has an excellent basketball IQ and the ability to fulfil her role with strong output whether her calling is at position 4 or 5.
“Last season we began to see her stretch the floor a little and facilitate both on the interior and as pick and pop forward and defensively she began to impose herself consistently.
“Given that she had to sit over the Christmas period through injury I am really pleased with the way the season closed for her.
“She showed a great deal of resilience both physically and psychologically to help us in our playoff bid and successful run to the O2.
“This season my expectations will only by higher and I hope we see the same level of growth as it will be integral to our success.
“She has high order character traits which coupled with her loyalty to the programme means the Eagles are the beneficiary of someone who consistently puts the team first. I am excited to see how she impacts the team this season.”
As for Gaynor herself, she is delighted to be returning to Newcastle and being part of the 2024/25 line-up.
“After such an exciting finish to the season last year, I am looking forward to competing with this team for the season ahead,” Gaynor added.
“I can’t wait to step back on the floor for the Eagles and play for the best fans in the league.
“I’m excited to see everyone back supporting the team after the summer break.
“The club is clearly growing on and off the floor and it’s a great time to be a part of the Eagles.”
Newby is certainly putting together an exciting and very competitive looking line-up for the forthcoming campaign and the fans can look forward to meeting and seeing the players at The Launch on Friday September 6 in the Vertu Motors Arena.
The Eagles women just announced they’ll tip-off in pre-season against the Sheffield Hatters on Sunday 15 September at 2:30pm ahead of the men’s game at 5:30pm. Both games are included in existing tickets and new purchases for the event, which are available from the box office.