After missing out on a trip to the Super League Basketball Women (SLBW) Playoffs Final in May, the Caledonia Gladiators are striving to make the next step with their latest acquisition.

The 2024/25 campaign was one that Gladiator fans would have been more than pleased with – winning 13 of their 20 games.

However, after a tightly contested Playoffs Semi-Final versus the formidable Oaklands Wolves – which ended 69-65 in favour of the regular season champions – the Gladiators fell short of participating in the inaugural SLBW Playoffs Final.

This devastating blow has not wavered the ambitions in Edinburgh, as the team based north of the border has continued to strengthen their roster with continuity and remarkable talent.

Caledonia retains talented core

One negative about the women’s game in Great Britain is the inability to strengthen a roster that may have competed at a high level in the previous campaign due to European vultures consistently snatching the players that have begun to make a name for themselves in this league.

Nevertheless, Caledonia has become the exception to that ruling with the re-signings of the trio Hannah Robb, Robyn Lewis, and Mathilde Domenger.

It is fair to say that the trio did not perform to an MVP level, but they did bring valuable minutes on the court for the Gladiators — with Domenger and Robb combining for around 18 points per game.

Not only this, but the pair both brought a vital presence on the defensive end of the floor. Domenger and Robb registered a brilliant 1.8 and 2.3 steals per game, respectively.

Lewis may not have the statistics to back up her contribution to a team that performed valiantly during the regular season, yet the British guard will bring an important understanding of the Gladiators’ game plan, as well as a keen eye for a pass.

Tierra Hodges makes the move up north

Newcastle Eagles fans, look away now. Tierra Hodges has made the devastating decision to ply her trade in Scotland for the upcoming campaign.

It cannot be understated how impressive a signing this is for Caledonia. This could signal an enthralling assault on the championship that fans of the club have been craving in recent years.

Hodges has been Newcastle’s standout performer over the past two seasons, forming a remarkable partnership with the explosive Jada Guinn throughout a record-breaking 2024/25 campaign for the Tynesiders. Guinn has also now departed the Eagles to join Icelandic side, 𝗛𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿-Þó𝗿.

During her final year in Newcastle, Hodges averaged 19.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game, cementing her status as one of the deadliest two-way players in the SLBW.

When featuring on the latest Brits Don’t Jump podcast, former pro player and current Gladiators commentator, Rona Lightbody, was asked, “which current SLBW star would be the perfect fit for the Gladiators?” After a brief pause, she responded, “Tierra Hodges.”

This acquisition could completely change the direction of travel for the Caledonia Gladiators this year.

Would it be premature to tip the talented outfit as championship contenders? Definitely not.

 

Don’t forget to keep up do date with all Super League Women roster changes this offseason!