Current Students and Staff

// University News


29 Apr 2014

Loughborough Riders women’s team crowned national champions

Loughborough Riders have claimed the England Basketball 2014 Division 1 women’s play-off title with a 68-63 win over City of Sheffield Hatters.

Riders, in just their second year in Division 1, prevented favourites Sheffield from picking up their sixteenth title at the end of season play-offs held in Manchester.

Georgia Jones, who is studying an MSc in Sports Management at the University, was the awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, scoring 19 points and claiming four rebounds, three assists and five steals.

Loughborough qualified for the final after defeating Nottingham Wildcats in the semis, by 66-54. Sports Scholar Maaja Braka led the scoring for Loughborough with 25 points.

Loughborough Riders women’s head coach Matt Harber said:

“It’s our second year in Division 1, so for our first year to make the final four and this year to be a play-off champion is an unbelievable achievement. I’m really happy for our players, our university and the Riders. It’s been a great journey so far.”

The play-off victory is the latest success to come out of the Loughborough Basketball Programme that commenced in the summer of 2011.

The development programme, a local partnership between Leicester Riders, Loughborough University, Loughborough College and Charnwood College, has created a player pathway and academic opportunity for talented basketball players.

The partnership has also seen the Riders utilise facilities at the University and College for play-off matches, training sessions and events such as recruitment days.