After a successful 2024/2025 season which saw Trinity Meteors reach the Domino’s Women’s Super League Semifinals and the Paudie O’Connor National Cup Quarterfinal, Trinity Meteors are looking to build on their success from last season ahead of the fast-approaching 2025/2026 season.
The addition of Irish Women’s Senior International Hazel Finn to the Super League roster reinforces Trinity Meteors’ desire to compete once again for the league title. Finn joins Trinity Meteors coming off a superb season with the Liffey Celtics, which saw the Kildare squad win the highly prestigious Paudie O’Connor National Cup Title. With her 13 point, 8 rebound performance in the final against Killester in the National Basketball Arena, Finn was awarded the highly esteemed Finals MVP award and the January 2025 Irish Times Sportswoman of the Month.
Hazel Finn, above, will join Trinity Meteors for their new season
Finn is following the footsteps of her older sister, Dayna Finn, who completed a master’s in education at Trinity College Dublin in 2023. Dayna was a key member of Trinity Meteors team that reached the Paudie O’Connor National Cup Final that season.
When asked about her decision to join Trinity Meteors, Hazel referenced Dayna’s previous experience with the team. “I am very excited, as it’s a new experience, different team and different coaches. I am looking forward to getting started as my sister Dayna, played for Trinity Meteors for two seasons, and spoke very highly of the good environment and the atmosphere within Trinity. Trinity has been very successful in the past few years with getting to semi-finals, so we hope to improve and achieve further this year and go all the way.”
Starting in September, Finn will begin a two-year master’s degree in education for secondary school teaching at Trinity. The Irish International is excited to begin her new experience in Dublin. “I am really excited, as it’s a new challenge for me both sporting and academically. Being able to experience Trinity College through sport and academics will be a new experience for me and one I’m really looking forward to.
Regarding the challenge of balancing her studies with her Super League and international commitments, she said that “the past few years with being in college I have balanced both very well. I feel like once I balance my time, one compliments the other. It’s important to be prepared in a busy lifestyle so you can plan in advance”. Finn is confident in her ability to contribute to Trinity College Dublin both academically and athletically in an impactful manner.
Joining Finn is 6’1 American, Ava Learn. Learn, originally from Pleasant Valley, New York, is arriving to Trinity off the heels of a stellar season with the Murray State Racers, a Division I NCAA program, where she averaged an efficient 13.7 points per game and 9.7 rebounds per game.
“It has always been a dream of mine to not only live abroad, but also get the chance to play basketball overseas”, said Learn, in regards to her move.
Learn had spent her first two seasons of her college career at Purdue University prior to her transfer to Murray State for her final two years of NCAA basketball. When describing her desired impact on the squad, Learn explained that she wants her impact to expand beyond the box score. “I hope to foster a positive atmosphere and prove just how impactful my work ethic can be. Along with my versatility that I developed during my time playing NCAA D1, which I look forward to bringing to the team.”
Learn will pursue a one-year degree in Digital Marketing in the Trinity Business School. When speaking regarding her move to Dublin, Learn shared that it will be her first time in the country. “I have been to a few countries in Europe, but I have never been to Ireland. The whole move is a bit intimidating but overall, I am so excited to get the chance to learn a new country, a new culture, and explore the beautiful city of Dublin. As for studying at Trinity, I cannot express how grateful I am that I get to study at this amazing school. The little bit of history I have learned about this school is incredible, and I am excited to learn more about the school.”
American player Ava Learn is set to make her Meteors debut this season
In addition to these new roster additions, Trinity Meteors will have a new head coach for the 2025-2026 season in Seamas Donnelly. Donnelly is an experienced coach already, having been with Trinity Meteors Basketball Club for over 16 years. He was a founding member of Trinity Meteors partnership since its establishment in 2018. Donnelly has been President of Trinity Basketball and a Professor of Medicine in Trinity College since 2015. Looking ahead to the 2025-2026 Super League season, Donnelly shared his excitement on Trinity Meteors’ preseason outlook. “We are very much looking forward to the upcoming season – we have a relatively young squad this season with several of Meteors elite younger players graduating from successful U18 and U20 teams to the Super League team. We will have a nice blend of youth and experience, with many of the team making their Super League debut.” A key goal for Donnelly and this Meteors squad will be the “development of players in the squad and in particular the younger players as they transition from underage programmes to Super League.
Trinity Meteors will open up their season on Saturday, October 4th, as they take on the newly promoted Cavan Eagles at 5.30pm in Coláiste Íosagáin, Rathmines. The Eagles are coming off an undefeated season in the Women’s Division One League, and will be a tough first test for Meteors. This will be followed by a trip to Cork on Saturday, October 11th to play Fr. Mathews before facing off against a strong Waterford Wildcats side in the Trinity Sports Centre at 5.30pm on Saturday, October 18th.
— CORRECTION Wednesday, August 27th, 12:25 PM —
Use of the name “Trinity Meteors” has been changed for consistency and accuracy.
