The Oaklands Academy pathway will once again take centre stage in the 2026/27 Super League Basketball (SLB) season, as a new wave of homegrown talent earns the opportunity to step onto the professional stage.

Widely regarded as one of the UK's premier basketball development programmes, Oaklands College has been a cornerstone of player development since the club's inception in 2017. Based in St Albans, the academy has produced a growing number of elite players who now feature across the SLB and international basketball landscape. This season, the next generation will have their chance to continue that legacy.

Leading the academy contingent is Holly Welch, who returns following her breakthrough debut campaign in last season's SLB competition. The 6'2" Scottish forward enjoyed a standout year in the Women's Elite Academy Basketball League, averaging 14.7 points and 8.2 rebounds, establishing herself as one of the country's top young prospects. Her performances earned her a prestigious Hoopsfix All-Star selection and further reinforced her reputation as one of the brightest talents in British basketball. Welch's return is a significant boost for the programme and provides another powerful example of the academy's ability to develop players capable of performing at the highest domestic level.

Joining Welch in making the step up to the SLB are fellow academy talents Rihanna Redondo-Miller and Olivia "Molly" Barton. Both players have demonstrated tremendous growth during their time at Oaklands and will now look to make their mark at senior level. Forward Redondo-Miller brings versatility and energy to the roster, while Barton has consistently impressed with her guard play and scoring ability.

The academy's influence extends beyond returning players, with exciting new addition Sophie Heron set to begin her Oaklands journey. The talented Scottish guard arrives from the renowned Caledonia Blues development programme and has already earned recognition as a member of the Great Britain U16 long squad. Heron adds further quality to an academy group rich in potential and ambition.

The continued integration of academy players into the SLB roster reflects Oaklands' commitment to developing elite talent and providing genuine opportunities for young athletes to progress into the professional game. A legacy Head Coach Lee Ryan emphasises saying:

“At Oaklands we value the importance of giving young players the chance to showcase themselves in the SLB. When the best youth players, whether thats British or otherwise, get the exposure to the levels in the SLB it serves as a great foundation for long careers ahead in our sport. The development opportunities of playing in this environment and getting to train and learn from professional athletes daily is second to none. We have four great academy players starting the year with us, but will be monitoring the rest of the academy to identify more additions throughout the season.”