Worcester Wolves Sign Jessica Atherley Ahead of Debut Season In The Women’s Premier League

The Worcester Wolves continue to build their roster ahead of the inaugural season of the British Wheelchair Basketball Women’s Premier League and have confirmed their fifth signing.

Jessica Atherley has become the latest player to join the Worcester Wolves in what is becoming a very exciting and versatile team.

Jessica, who is a Classification 3.0 athlete, has played for a magnitude of teams - Newark Jaguars in 2016, followed by Leicester Cobras in Women’s League D1, Sheffield Steelers in National League D1 and Team Hallam. Jessica has also won a Silver Medal in Women’s League D2 and Gold Medals in the University Championships in 2018/19 and 2019/20.

Jessica has previously been a part of the AASE programme (Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence,) now known as DISE (Diploma in Sporting Excellence), run by British Wheelchair Basketball and has been a Team Hallam Performance Athlete (part of Sheffield Hallam University) since 2018.

With a wealth of experience and a passion for the sport, Jessica will be a strong addition to the roster and she cannot wait to get on court with her new teammates and be a part of something special in Worcester.

“For me, my wheelchair basketball career really kicked off at the University of Worcester Arena at the 2016 National Junior Championships, my first experience outside of my first club,” she said. “It was a real eye opener and the start to some fantastic opportunities. Since developing my game ability with the incredible support from Team Hallam and the Sheffield Steelers, the opportunity to return to the University of Worcester Arena as part of the Wolves truly holds a special place; returning to where it all started. I am so excited to get on court with an amazing group of women and support team within the Worcester Wolves, and really showcase elite level basketball.”

Mick Donovan, Worcester Wolves Managing Director, is excited to see Jessica represent the Wolves on and off the court this season. He said: “Jessica has enjoyed a wide range of experiences in a relatively short time. She is an intelligent player who will also bring a great deal of energy to the Wolves. We are thrilled at the prospect of signing Jessica and look forward to see her representing the Wolves.”

The League will be the first of its kind for women’s wheelchair basketball in the world, and the very first professional para-sport league in the UK.

The University of Worcester will be one of four High-Performance Partnerships, which also include Cardiff Metropolitan University, Loughborough University and the University of East London, that will each be home to a women’s premier league team.

The club will be making further announcements over the coming weeks. Keep up to date with all things Worcester Wolves across their social media channels and website.

For more information about the new Women’s Premier League, visit www.britishwheelchairbasketball.co.uk/womens-premier-league.