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24 September 2025  4 min read

WEABL stars confirm next steps with flurry of US signings

The class of 2026 guard Keyes is the latest to confirm her destination after being heavily recruited by a number of D1 programmes in recent months, electing for the University of Vermont after a successful visit in August.

She was named to the WEABL All Second Team in 2025 on route to winning the National Championship with Copleston. The former Manchester Mystics product was also named MVP of the U18 National Championship game for Ipswich whilst helping the senior side to the WNBL National Cup, making her a champion at all three age groups in her first season for the Suffolk programme.

It means 2025/26 will be Keyes' final year with Copleston, and she has made her goals clear for the upcoming campaign: “I want to finish this chapter of my basketball career the right way.

"Ipswich is and always will be a massive part of me now. I have made friends for life and have loved being part of the Ipswich and Copleston Basketball family.

"We want to go as far as we can in all competitions, and I’m excited to complete this chapter of my career in style.”

Keyes in action for Copleston in the 2025 WEABL Final

Oboavwoduo, CoLA stars also moving on

Keyes isn't the only WEABL standout moving to pastures new for next season.

Reigning WEABL South Conference MVP Ayla Habbal has announced her commitment to George Washington University, turning out for the Revs in 2026/27 after an illustrious WEABL career. The talented guard dished 6.3 assists per game a year ago, good for sixth-highest all-time in the league's 10-year history.

"A massive thank you to Coach Jackson and Coach Brian who have been the best coaches I could ever ask for," said Habbal.

"They are one of the most selfless people I have ever met. They always prioritise others before themselves and that’s what makes them so special to me."

Team-mate and South All-Conference First Team pick Adaora Dioramma is also on the move, taking her talents to Hofstra as one of the country's top young forwards looks to continue her development.

"I'm excited and humbled to announce my commitment for the 2026/27 seasons to continue my academic and athletic career at Hofstra University.

"To my coaches and team-mates, thank you for pushing me, believing in me, and helping me grow on and off the court. The lessons you’ve taught me will stick with me forever."

CoLA's Adaora Dioramma

It'll be all change for Coach Gibbons' squad as CoLA's Eva-Grace Yabila is also calling the upcoming season her last in the WEABL, instead heading for the University of Maryland.

"I would like to thank every coach that enabled me to get to where i am now, starting from Coach Daniel all the way through till now with Coach Jackson and Coach Brian at CoLA," said Yabila.

"Without you all believing in me I wouldn’t be the person nor player I am today."

Manchester's Irene Oboavwoduo made a splash in her debut WEABL campaign a year ago, picking up the North's U17 Player of the Year to go with an All-Conference First Team nod.

Another heavily recruited prospect, the Mystics' standout has opted to head for Boston College in the ACC.

"I’m deeply thankful to every coach who has guided me and to every teammate who has fought alongside me. Your belief, support, and encouragement throughout this journey will always mean the world to me.

"Above all, my deepest gratitude goes to my family. Your unwavering love and support have been the foundation of everything I’ve accomplished — none of this would have been possible without you."

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