The backbone of Petermans Sheffield Hatters will be in place for the 2019-20 WBBL campaign after it was confirmed that head coach Vanessa Ellis is to continue – along with experienced playing duo Helen Naylor and Naomi Campbell.

Coach Ellis comes into the new campaign off the back of having helped to guide Great Britain to a historic Semi-Finals spot at the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket in her role as an Assistant to Chema Buceta.

With the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2021 Qualifiers in sight and the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments to also deal with, in addition to delivering success with Hatters, it is going to be a huge 12 months.

“I am excited for what lies in wait,” declared the play-caller.

“I will be paying particular attention to the British players with important GB games coming up this season. I am also excited to work with my players in 2019-20 – both those I already know and some new faces too.”

Naylor will once again be out to demonstrate why she is one of the most potent offensive forces in the WBBL and will bring an important scoring punch. Campbell is back for a first full season since a serious injury sidelined her and the experience of the forward will be priceless.

“I am really happy to be back for this season and the new team is coming together nicely,” stated Naylor.

“I’m excited about how we are coming together as a group and I am looking forward to challenging for some silverware.”

Meanwhile Campbell is similarly eying up trophies and added: “I can’t wait to make a second comeback after injury in the quest for some more silverware for Sheffield.

“The new additions to the team that we will be announcing are adding some fresh looks and enthusiasm to a returning Hatters core.

“So, all in all, it’s a very exciting combination,” she concluded.

Further player announcements for Hatters are scheduled for coming days.