The Caledonia Gladiators didn’t just add a player—they added a scoring threat. On Friday, 29 August 2025, at 09:07 UTC, the Scottish-based women’s basketball team officially announced the signing of American guard Anastasia Warren, a dynamic offensive engine coming off a standout season with Manchester Basketball. Her arrival isn’t just a roster move; it’s a statement. With averages of 18.5 points, 3.0 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game during the Trophy phase, Warren brings a rare blend of three-point precision, mid-range craft, and relentless off-ball movement that the Gladiators have been missing. And now, she’s set to face her old team—and then some—when the 2025-2026 British Basketball League season tips off.
Building a Defensive Identity, With an Offensive Spark
Head Coach Chantelle Handy has spent the past year constructing a roster defined by discipline, toughness, and defensive cohesion. At the core? British national team staple Hannah Robb, whose leadership and perimeter defense anchor the unit. But last season’s grit wasn’t enough to consistently outscore opponents. Enter Warren. Her ability to stretch defenses from beyond the arc—she shot better than 40% from three during the Trophy phase, according to internal Manchester stats—creates space for Robb and the rest of the British core to operate inside. It’s not just about scoring. It’s about changing how the entire offense flows.Warren isn’t alone in the new wave. The Gladiators also brought in Irish guard Maura Fitzpatrick, known for her playmaking under pressure, and Tierra Hodges, a physical veteran who spent two seasons with the Newcastle Eagles in Newcastle upon Tyne. Hodges adds toughness around the rim, while Fitzpatrick’s court vision complements Warren’s scoring bursts. Together, they form a new spine for a team that finished fifth last season—and now looks like a genuine title contender.
The Essex Rebels See a Threat
The buzz around Warren’s signing didn’t go unnoticed. The Essex Rebels Women, who will host the Gladiators in their season opener on Saturday, 25 October 2025, at the Essex Sport Arena in Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex, CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom, already have her marked as their primary ‘Player to Watch.’Head Coach Ashley Cookson of the Essex Rebels men’s team (who oversees women’s operations as well) didn’t mince words: “We’re coming into the regular season with good momentum after winning our Trophy group, which was a great early test for us. That experience helped us learn a lot about ourselves and how we want to play. Caledonia will be a strong challenge to open the league, but we’re excited to see how we measure up and to keep building on the foundations we’ve set.”
It’s telling that Cookson, despite coaching the men’s side, is publicly acknowledging the women’s matchup as a litmus test. The Rebels, who finished third in their Trophy group, are no pushovers. But Warren’s scoring volume—18.5 points per game is nearly 30% of Manchester’s offensive output—means defenses must now account for her every time she crosses half-court. That’s a problem for any team, especially one still developing chemistry.
A Roster Revolution in Late August
Warren’s signing wasn’t an isolated event. It was the second of three key moves in a 24-hour window. On Thursday, 28 August 2025, at 09:03 UTC, the Gladiators quietly added a point guard whose name hasn’t been publicly confirmed. Then, just four minutes after Warren’s announcement, they confirmed the signing of guard Ethan Wright on 2 September 2025 at 07:36 UTC—though he’s on the men’s roster, the timing signals a broader organizational shift. This wasn’t just a player pickup. It was a full-scale rebuild.The Gladiators’ front office clearly recognized a gap: they had defensive structure, but lacked a true go-to scorer. Warren fills that. And she does it with a resume that speaks louder than any press release. In her final season with Manchester, she scored 26 points in a single Trophy game against the London Lions, hit five threes in a road win at Birmingham, and averaged 1.8 steals per game—proving she’s not just a shooter, but a two-way threat.
What This Means for the League
The British Basketball League women’s division has long been dominated by a few traditional powers. But this offseason, the balance is shifting. With Warren’s arrival, the Gladiators now have the offensive firepower to compete with the top teams—and the defensive backbone to grind out wins. The upcoming clash in Colchester isn’t just a season opener. It’s a signal flare: the Gladiators are back, and they’re hungry.For fans in Scotland, this is more than basketball. It’s validation. The Gladiators have spent years building a sustainable model—local talent, smart imports, strong coaching. Now, with Warren leading the charge, they’re no longer just participants. They’re contenders.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Anastasia Warren’s scoring compare to other guards in the BBL Women’s League?
Warren’s 18.5 points per game in the Trophy phase last season puts her in the top 3 among all guards in the BBL Women’s League. Only two players—London Lions’ Jasmine Carter (20.1 ppg) and Birmingham’s Tia Thompson (19.3 ppg)—averaged more. But Warren’s efficiency (41% from three) and role as a primary creator make her more valuable than raw numbers suggest. She’s not just a scorer; she’s a game-changer.
Why did Warren leave Manchester Basketball?
While no official statement was released, sources close to the player indicate Warren sought a larger role and more consistent minutes. Manchester, despite her success, operated with a committee-style offense. The Gladiators, under Chantelle Handy, offered her the green light as their primary offensive weapon—a rare opportunity in the BBL. She also cited the chance to play in Scotland and help grow the women’s game there as key factors.
What’s the significance of the 25 October 2025 game against the Essex Rebels?
It’s the first true test of the Gladiators’ new identity. The Rebels are one of the most improved teams in the league, coming off a Trophy group win. Warren will face her former teammates and a defense that knows her tendencies. If she can score 20+ points against them, it signals the Gladiators are ready to challenge for the title. If she struggles, questions will arise about her fit. The stakes are high—and the arena will be packed.
How does this signing affect the British players on the roster?
It elevates them. With Warren drawing double-teams, British stars like Hannah Robb and Maura Fitzpatrick will find more open looks. Robb, who averaged 11.2 points last season, could see her numbers jump to 15+ as defenses collapse on Warren. The Gladiators’ model isn’t about replacing local talent—it’s about empowering it. That’s why Coach Handy’s roster feels balanced: American firepower, British grit.
Is this part of a larger trend in British women’s basketball?
Absolutely. The BBL Women’s League has seen a 40% increase in overseas talent since 2022, but this year’s signings are different. Players like Warren aren’t just fill-ins—they’re franchise architects. Teams are now targeting proven scorers who can carry offensive loads, not just role players. The Gladiators’ move mirrors what the London Lions and Sheffield Hatters did last year: build around elite American guards with British cores. It’s becoming the new blueprint.
What’s next for the Caledonia Gladiators after this signing?
They’re targeting the playoffs—and possibly a home-court advantage. With Warren, Hodges, and Robb leading the way, the Gladiators have the depth to compete in a 24-game season. Their next move? Possibly adding a defensive center before the November trade window. But for now, they’re focused on one thing: proving they’re not just rebuilding—they’re rising.