History-making Essex Rebels thank fans after unforgettable season

The Rebels have thanked Essex after a history-making basketball season that saw the women’s team reach new heights and inspire packed crowds.

The Essex Rebels’ remarkable campaign came to an end in the Super League Basketball play-off semi-finals on Sunday, after falling to Caledonia Gladiators, denying the team a shot at the final at London’s O2 Arena.

But despite the heartbreak, the 2025/26 season will go down as the most successful in the women’s team’s history at the University of Essex.

Relive the games in the gallery below

This year saw the Rebels secure their highest-ever league finish, complete a perfect home regular season record, and host their first ever home play-off in front of a bouncing Essex Sport Arena.

The team then powered past London Lions in a dominant quarter-final performance to book a first-ever semi-final spot, capping a campaign that has captured the imagination of basketball fans across Essex.

Outside the league the Rebels also reached the Betty Codona Trophy semis and the SLB Cup quarter finals.

'Unforgettable season'

Captain Claire Paxton said: “I’m so proud of this team and the season we’ve had.

“It’s been such a fun group of people to be around and play with! An unforgettable season for the rebels, with super supportive and great energy from everyone.”

As well as the unprecedented sporting success the Rebels entertained fans off the court.

This year saw the team mark International Women’s Day with a blockbuster day of female empowerment, with young 50 girls training with the team, inspiring women-led networking and a buzzing fan zone.

Explore the celebration in the pictures below

The Rebels also brought festive cheer to sick children and pensioners with a Christmas toy drive, partnered with Colchester Zoological Society to donate balls to animals, and broke the volleyball attendance record.

The club has thanked all volunteers, staff, sponsors and partners who supported the club throughout the campaign.

Diana Voynova, Essex Rebels Manager, said: “I’m incredibly proud of what every team under the Essex Rebels umbrella achieved this season.

“From our women’s basketball team making history and our women’s volleyball team reaching the Super League final for a second consecutive year, to breaking the volleyball attendance record and growing support across all of our programmes, it has been a season to remember.

“We’ve also continued to make a real impact in the community through partnerships with fantastic organisations including the NHS, Robin Cancer Trust and Colchester Zoological Society, to name a few.

“I want to thank all of our players, staff, volunteers, sponsors, partners and, most importantly, the fans who backed us every step of the way.

“The support this season has been incredible and we’re really excited about what comes next for the Rebels.”

Build momentum

With the team making history and crowds continuing to grow, the Rebels are poised to keep building momentum.

Summer will also see the launch of the popular Ballin’ with a Bobby scheme.

The Rebels will team up with Essex Police to deliver free basketball sessions for children and young people across Colchester.

The summer holiday initiative will help youngsters find out about sport, sharpen their basketball skills, have fun with friends, and interact with local police officers - all in a safe, inclusive environment.