Road to Glasgow: Laura Shanahan – Leading the Charge for Wales

Laura Shanahan’s role in shaping Welsh basketball has grown beyond her playing abilities. The Archers' captain has taken up the position of Women’s Head Coach for Wales ahead of the upcoming 3x3 Commonwealth qualifiers. In doing so, Shanahan becomes a key player in the development of a pivotal part of the Welsh basketball program.

Shanahan in action for the Archers

 The selection of Shanahan for this position shows both her experience and the high regard in which she is held in Welsh basketball circles. While she continues to play a role with the Archers, she is also making a growing impact at national team level. In 2025, she travelled to Belfast with the Welsh team and, in her role as player-coach, led them to victories over Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Shanahan said "I’m incredibly proud to be given the opportunity to take on the role of Women’s Head Coach for Wales in the lead‑up to the 3x3 Commonwealth qualifiers. Welsh basketball has been a huge part of my journey as a player, and stepping into this role allows me to contribute to its growth in a different way."

"We’ve had some really productive camps with the Welsh squad so far, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with both the players and the wider staff as we prepare for what I know will be a challenging and exciting competition, with the goal of securing qualification for the Games in Glasgow."

She also continues to represent Great Britain at Masters level with the Women’s 35+ team. Following a fourth-place finish at the FIMBA World Maxi Basketball Championships in Switzerland, her focus now turns to this year’s competition in Athens.

As 3x3 Commonwealth qualifying matches are expected to be played in May 22-24, 2026, it will be vital that Shanahan takes a leading role in their preparation. The 3x3 game is a physically taxing and fast game that requires clarity, confidence, and calm from all the players on the court.

In the case of Cardiff Met, the story of Shanahan provides an important demonstration of the impact that the university can have on the sport.