Announcing the return of its Academy graduate Grace Rae for a second season of Super League Basketball (SLB) was always part of Newcastle Eagles’ plan for the young forward.

The 5’11” 18-year-old will continue her basketball development in the Eagles women’s roster alongside studying at Newcastle University.

In no doubt about wanting Rae back as a second-year senior Eagle, head coach Chloe Gaynor, said: “Returning Grace was a priority for us.


Rae has become an ambassador for the Eagles women’s basketball programme across the region. (Photos: Gary Forster)

“She will be attending Newcastle University for her undergraduate degree, which helps strengthen our partnership with the programme there.

“It also shows players in our junior pathway that there is a very clear route to the professional levels in this country whilst continuing their education.”

Rae split last year’s rookie season with playing time in her last year as an under-18 in the Eagles Academy, but will now step up to senior-level play in both SLB and British Universities and Colleges Sports (BUCS) competition.


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Grace Rae with head coach Chloe Gaynor on the sidelines in 2024 when she doubled-up being part of the senior Eagles women’s team training group for the 2024/25 season with playing in the Academy. (Photo: Gary Forster)

“In Grace’s limited minutes last season, she proved to impact the game with her relentlessness defensively as well as rebounding”, Gaynor added.

“She will need to continue that role as she builds her offensive IQ and skillset.

“I am looking forward to continuing to work with Grace to work towards reaching her potential.”

Gaynor will look to Rae for even more minutes this coming season as the local star continues her development since graduating from the Eagles Academy. (Photo: Gary Forster)

Rae has become an inspiration to young women playing basketball across the region as an ambassador for the Eagles programme and a role model for many as she shows that the opportunity to soar to the top-flight of the game is possible through the club’s development pathway.


“I’m super excited to be wearing an Eagles jersey again this year”, said Rae.

“Last season I learnt a lot about what it takes to grow in a professional environment and this year I’m just focused on applying those lessons, working behind the scenes, and taking every opportunity.”

Grace Rae made her senior team debut for our Eagles Women against London Lions in November 2025. (Photo: Gary Forster)

Tomorrow, Tuesday 8 September, the Eagles women are expected to announce their pre-season schedule as the build-up to their October 2026/27 season start looms closer.

Tickets for the Eagles’ first SLB Championship games are available from the box office.