Newcastle Eagles are delighted to announce the addition of powerful former Clemson Tigers forward Raven Thompson to their Women’s roster for the 2026/27 Super League Basketball (SLB) season.

The 5’10” forward played her final two seasons of NCAA Division 1 basketball at ACC programme Clemson University after transferring from the Southern Conference, where she enjoyed two outstanding campaigns with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, averaging more than 14 points and seven rebounds per game.

Head coach Chloe Gaynor believes that Thompson has the all-round attributes to add significant presence to her new-look roster for the forthcoming SLB challenge.


Raven flies into Tyneside with a track record of shooting prowess to add to head coach Gaynor’s arsenal. (Photos: Clemson University Tigers)

“Raven joins us after a successful NCAA career where she amassed over 1,300 points and 700 rebounds,” said Gaynor.

“We’ll be looking to her to continue her prowess in both scoring and rebounding as she takes this first step in her professional career with us.

“Raven has a great ability to extend the floor and use her height to capitalise on mismatches, I’m excited to see how that materialises in our league and within our system.”


Thompson was voted all conference first team in 2024 as well as winning a regular season championship at Chattanooga in 2024. She made the move to Clemson with her head coach Shaun Poppie when he was appointed at Tigers for the start of the 2024/25 campaign.

Averaging 7.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game in her senior year she has shown great ability to score inside and outside of the arc. Thompson is also a constant contributor on the boards at both ends of the floor and a very solid defender.

“I’m really excited to join the Eagles and become part of the club,” said Thompson.

“I can’t wait to play in front of the amazing fans at the Vertu Arena and compete in the SLB.


“I’m looking forward to bringing my ability to get downhill, create mismatches and spread the floor to help the team be successful.”

Gaynor’s roster is continuing to take shape and, with more new and returning players still to be announced in the coming days, fans can start getting excited for the season ahead.

Tickets for the home SLB Championship opener against Nottingham are available now on the box office, while a pre-season tip-off on Tyneside is set to be announced shortly.