Essex Rebels Add Young Guard to the Roster

Essex Rebels are delighted to add talented, young guard Carina Costa to the roster for the remaining of the 2026/27 Super League Basketball season. 

The 19-year-old guard joins the Rebels from Women’s National Basketball League, Division One side Manchester Mystics. 

Most recently, Costa enjoyed playing in the senior side and recently earnt a nomination in the league’s Team of the Week after helping her team secure their first win of the season against East London. In her stand-out performance, Costa registered a double-double in both points and rebounds and was the best performing player across both sides. 

Costa developed her game within the ranks of Manchester Magic and Mystics, working through the academy which is part of England’s Development Programme. Through the programme, Costa earned the 2024/25 Women’s Elite Academy Basketball League’s Most Improved Player (North) and was named in the All-conference second team. 

Prior to her time in Mystics’ senior team, Costa spent a season at Frank Phillips College in Borger, Texas. During her time at Frank Phillips, she registered 27 games competing in both Division One of the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Western Junior College Athletic Conference. 

Rebels’ Head Coach Tor Freeman shares his excitement on adding Costa’s talent to his roster:

We’re really excited to have Carina join the us. She’s had a fantastic junior career and excelled with Manchester Mystics senior team. I’m looking forward to seeing her contribute at the Super League Basketball level!

By Millie Winslett