After more than a decade of commitment to Cardiff Met Archers, Laura Shanahan has announced her decision to step away from playing in Super League Basketball, bringing an 11-season top-flight career with the club to a close.
Shanahan has been a constant presence within the Cardiff Met programme for more than ten years, representing the Archers through generations of players, coaches and changes across the domestic game.
By the 2025/26 campaign, Shanahan had entered her 11th season with the Archers’ top-flight programme, making her the club’s longest-serving player. During that time, she experienced the evolution of the women’s domestic game from the Women’s British Basketball League into Super League Basketball, while continuing to play an important role both on and off the court.
Her longevity, however, tells only part of the story.
For the generations of players who have come through Cardiff Met during her time with the programme, Shanahan has provided experience, consistency and an example of what it means to represent the Archers over a sustained period.
Balancing basketball alongside work, education and life away from the court, she became an important link between different generations of players and someone younger athletes could look towards as they found their own place within the programme.
Cardiff Met Archers Head Coach Stef Collins believes Shanahan’s influence extended well beyond her contribution during games.
“Laura has been such an important part of the Archers for so many years, and her impact goes far beyond what she has done on the court,” said Collins.
“She has always had this calm and reassuring presence about her, someone you know you can rely on, particularly in challenging moments. She leads by example, never needs to be the loudest voice in the room, but has a way of making those around her feel supported and confident.
“That consistency, care and commitment has been hugely valuable to our programme. Laura is a big part of the Archers story, and her influence will continue to be felt long after she steps away from playing in the SLB.”
Reflecting on her decision, Shanahan said:
“So, I’ve finally decided that 2025/26 really was my last season playing SLB!
“I’ve had some amazing experiences over the years, and I’m incredibly grateful for all the people I’ve met, the friendships I’ve made and the memories along the way.
“I’m sure basketball will still be a big part of my life, so I’m excited to see what comes next.
“Good luck for the season ahead — I won’t be too far away, and I’ll always be watching, supporting and cheering you on from the sidelines.”
Shanahan’s career has run in parallel with the development of the Cardiff Met Archers programme, providing continuity in a university sporting environment where squads naturally evolve as players arrive, graduate and move on.
Across 11 seasons at the highest level, she has carried with her an understanding of the programme’s history, expectations and culture, helping pass that experience from one group of Archers to the next.
Her contribution has also demonstrated that leadership does not always have to be loud. For Shanahan, it has been reflected in consistency, dependability and the standards shown day after day — being there for teammates, supporting those around her and representing Cardiff Met with distinction.
While her playing career in Super League Basketball now comes to an end, Shanahan’s contribution to Cardiff Met Archers will remain part of the programme she has helped shape.
More than a decade as an Archer. Eleven seasons at the highest level. Countless teammates, games and memories along the way.