Ellis Claims Coach of the Year Crown as Hatters Chase Historic Quadruple
B. Braun Sheffield Hatters head coach Vanessa Ellis has been named the winner of the Molten Betty Codona Coach of the Year award for the 2025/26 Super League Basketball season, following a vote involving the league's head coaches and captains.
Ellis claimed the honour for the second time in her career — her first since the 2014/15 season — and in doing so becomes only the second coach in Women's League history to win the award on multiple occasions, joining former Sevenoaks play-caller Len Busch in that exclusive company.
The recognition comes on the back of a remarkable campaign for Sheffield, who have won three titles from three so far this season and now stand on the brink of a historic quadruple. The Hatters face Caledonia Gladiators in the Play-off final this Sunday at The O2 in London.
Ellis was keen to share the credit with those around her. "Without the players and staff around me, none of it would happen," she said, while also highlighting the team's resilience through adversity. She noted that Sheffield have been particularly strong since Christmas, a period that has proved decisive in their title charge.
Hatters General Manager Natasha Clark praised Ellis for building not just a winning side but a values-driven culture within the club, describing the award as "richly deserved."
With one final hurdle remaining, Ellis and her squad head to The O2 with the chance to etch their names into Women's basketball history.