In a move that will come as little surprise to those within the club and around the Super League Basketball (SLB) Women’s team, Chloe Gaynor has decided to step away from her playing career and turn her full focus to leading the side as head coach ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Gaynor first joined the Eagles in 2021 following her rookie season at Nottingham Wildcats after graduating from three years at Long Beach State University.

Two successful seasons at the helm saw the head coach spend more time on the sidelines and this summer she has taken the decision to remove the playing aspect from her professional basketball life.


Last season was Chloe Gaynor’s first full season in charge after taking the reins during the 2024/25 campaign. (Photo and Featured Image: Gary Forster)

“Ultimately the time is right for me to stop playing. I had some issues with my knees in college and over the past couple of season they’ve began to cause some problems again and my body is just not in a position to continue”, said Gaynor.

As a player, Gaynor had three very successful seasons in the Eagles front court, including the franchise’s historic Play-Offs run in the 2023/24 season under then head coach Matt Newby.

Injury concerns returned for the 6’3 forward and when Newby left the club in November 2024 Eagles managing director Paul Blake asked her to pick-up the reins of the women’s team.


By the end of that first season in charge, Gaynor’s spectacular success in the role saw her voted as the SLB’s Coach of the Year in the rookie coaching season.

As the Nottinghamshire-born player-coach’s place on the sidelines became more established, it was her recruited roster that replaced her on the floor.

Gaynor took the women’s team mantle from former head coach Matt Newby in November 2024. (Photo: Gary Forster)

“In complete truth, I only stepped in playing at the end of last year to help out with rotations whilst we were struggling with other injuries on the team,” Gaynor added.

“I think the time is right for me professionally and I’m excited to throw myself fully into coaching.


“I’ll miss it greatly. I have always loved playing, and playing for the Eagles in particular has been the highlight of my career.

“I’ve loved representing this club on court for the last five years and would like to thank everyone who has been a part of that journey.

“Our fanbase, my teammates and all of the staff have made my experience as a player great. I’m very fortunate to be able to continue my career and representing the Eagles on the sideline.

The head coach has become an ambassador for the club in the North East. (Photo: Simon Williams)

Back-to-back season’s of Play-Offs qualification and growth of both the Eagles women’s franchise and the female game have been testament to the work put in by Gaynor, her team and everyone around the franchise on and off the court, which continues to go from strength to strength each year.

“I don’t think my role will change massively, I have been very focused on my duties on the sideline, so I think it’ll just be a continuation and making sure that I’m spending my time trying to better the programme in whichever way I can”, the coach concluded.

Gaynor heads-up the Eagles women’s team’s successful STEM Science of Basketball programme for North East schools.

Gaynor is now assembling her 2026/27 roster with several signings already in the pipeline as the club prepares to announce its women’s side for the forthcoming campaign.

Season tickets for the 2026/27 campaign, including access to exclusive events, discounts and more, are available from the box office.

Fans can take advantage of the Early Bird offer with savings until the end of this month and a 3-month payment plan option also available.