Ahead of her Commonwealth Games debut this month, Caledonia Gladiators are pleased to announce that Ella Doherty will return to the club for the 2026/27 season. As an integral part of the 2025/26 team, Doherty played a crucial role in a historic moment for the club as the women played Sheffield Hatters in the SLB League Final at the London O2 in May this year – the first time a Scottish women’s basketball team has made the final.
One of Scottish basketball’s brightest young talents, Doherty has continued to establish herself as an important member of the Gladiators programme, earning recognition for her development on the court.
Having trained with Head Coach Donnie McDonald from the young age of 14, Doherty will have the rare chance to compete as part of Team Scotland in the 3×3 Basketball in the Commonwealth Games 2026 under the leadership of Coach McDonald before returning to Caledonia Gladiators where Donnie also takes up the position of Head Coach for the first time.
Doherty is the first women’s player to be announced ahead of the upcoming season, with her return underlining the importance of developing young Scottish talent as Caledonia Gladiators continues to drive its goal of building a basketball nation.
Head Coach Donnie McDonald said: “We’re thrilled to have Ella back with the Gladiators for another season. She has worked incredibly hard to develop her game and embodies everything we want this programme to stand for. Her Team Scotland
selection is thoroughly deserved and we’re all incredibly proud to see her represent Scottish basketball on such a major stage.”
selection is thoroughly deserved and we’re all incredibly proud to see her represent Scottish basketball on such a major stage.”
Doherty added: “I’m really excited to be returning to the Gladiators. This club has played a huge role in my development and last season was incredible to make the finals. I‘m looking forward to continuing to grow this season and take it all the way for the win that we narrowly missed earlier this year.
To be heading into my first Commonwealth Games at the same time makes this a really special moment. Representing Scotland is a dream come true, and I’ll be giving everything I can before returning to Gladiators ready for the new season.”
The Commonwealth Games will mark another milestone in Doherty’s rapidly developing career, providing the opportunity to compete against some of the world’s best while gaining invaluable experience on an international stage.
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