Essex Rebels basketball programme appoints new coaches

The University of Essex has marked the end its most successful season in university sport with the appointment of two new coaches.

Tom Sadler has accepted the position of Head of Basketball Performance and Ross Norfolk completes the structure as Assistant Basketball Coach.

Tom took over coaching Essex Rebels in early November after a couple of heavy defeats, with the team securing its first win in the Women’s Basketball League (WBBL) not long after.  He will oversee the development of basketball at the University, working with teams at all levels.

Tom Sadler said: “I’m really proud to be named Head of Basketball Performance.  This is the dream job for me. Being able to give back to the community where my basketball career began is an incredible feeling. As a programme, we are excited about what the future holds, developing on the building blocks we have put in place this season.”

Ross Norfolk guided the men’s team to the quarter finals of the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) championship and the National League play-off semi-finals.

Ross Norfolk said: “I am thankful for the opportunity to join the coaching staff at the University of Essex. A solid foundation has been established over the past few years and I’m excited to continue to grow the programme. The team’s had a successful year, and now it’s time to reflect, review and prepare for the new season ahead.”

Susy Davies, Performance Sport Manager added, “Today marks the beginning of a new era for basketball at the University. Ross brings a wealth of experience and has consistently shown his drive and determination to deliver the best possible experience for our student athletes.

“Tom has stepped up this year, and shown his real ambition in developing basketball in the local area as well as his desire to coach at a professional level. Both Tom and Ross grew up in the Colchester area, and their success in basketball is an inspiration to the local basketball community.  We look forward to working with them and developing basketball at the University and in the wider community.”