ESSEX Rebels have begun their search for a new women's professional coach after parting company with Tom Sadler.

Sadler, who spent five years leading the performance basketball programme at the University of Essex, is moving to the United States to join his family overseas.

Sadler said: “The last five seasons I have been able to live out a professional dream as the head of performance basketball and head coach of the Rebels here at the University of Essex.

“I have been blessed to be able to have worked with so many gifted talented student-athletes who allowed themselves to be coached.

“I cannot overstate the gratitude I have for those players, coaches and staff members who have been with me on this journey.

“Being able to give back through coaching in the area where I grew up has been an honour and to do it while representing the University of Essex has been a privilege.

“It’s time for the Essex Rebels basketball programme to enter into a new era.

“I’m proud of what we’ve built and I’m excited to hand over the reins to the next coach and watch it continue to grow and flourish - once a rebel always a rebel!”

Sadler led the University women’s basketball team to a first-ever BUCS National Championships title in 2022, and to four consecutive BUCS Premier South Division titles.

The Essex Rebels women’s team have gone from strength to strength under his leadership, with Sadler named Women's British Basketball League (WBBL) Coach of the Month in November, 2022.

The side also reached the WBBL Cup semi-finals and are in a strong position to challenge for silverware this season.

The well-regarded coach, who joined the University of Essex as a sports scholarship student whilst completing an MBA before stepping up from a Player-Assistant Coach position to Head of Performance Basketball in 2018, has helped guide the club since the Rebels were formed.

Director of Sport, Dave Parry praised Sadler's influence inside the club and to the wider community.

He said: “Tom has done a tremendous job developing the whole landscape of basketball at the University of Essex and will be sorely missed.

“His impact has been felt across the university and he has been a shining light in helping to develop the game.

“Although his absence will be felt most in our professional women’s side he will be missed across the university and across the Essex community.

“We’ve seen an explosion in interest in basketball over the past five years, not just within the University, but also stretching out into our local communities, with our teams inspiring children to pick up the sport and get involved.

“Tom is a local boy, who grew up learning to play basketball in Brightlingsea, and he can be immensely proud of what he has given back to his hometown and the local area.”