Handy, the second most capped British women’s player with 142 caps, took over in February when Miguel Ortega moved up to become the club’s first head of basketball.

She admitted that deciding to retire from playing in May was “tough” having “played in Europe for 12 years”, but a move into coaching had always been her ultimate ambition.

“I’m very blessed to be in the situation I am,” Handy suggested given she believes “the future is huge” for Gladiators.

“You couldn’t have a better mentor than Miguel and the new facilities here are a dream for our coaching team. The new stadium is phenomenal and the crowds have been terrific.”

Handy points out that the competition in the rebranded Super League Basketball will be tough given the amount of funding some of the other clubs have attracted.

However, she is “really happy” with her squad as she prepares for the season opener at home to Newcastle Eagles on 29 September.

“We’re looking good,” she said. “We’ve got six returners that are familiar with our style of play and then obviously we got six other players that are new.”

Among them is former Essex Rebel guard Katharine Tudor, who was in the league’s team of the year last season, while combo guard Tea Adams has returned from Valur Reykjavik in Iceland.

Ortega pointed out Handy’s “incredible career”, which included competed at the 2012 Olympics, winning a silver medal for England at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022 and playing in EuroLeague Women.

“She was a real leader on the court and she’s made the move into coaching really well so far,” he added.