Ipswich Forward Holly Ensoll Commits to NCAA Division I UC Davis

Holly Ensoll has committed to NCAA Division I programme UC Davis, giving another British prospect a major US college basketball opportunity ahead of the 2026–27 season.

The 6ft 6in forward arrives from the Ipswich basketball pathway, having played for Endeavour Ipswich in the Women’s National Basketball League and developed through Copleston High School’s Basketball Academy.

UC Davis confirmed the signing this week, with head coach Jennifer Gross describing Ensoll as a frontcourt addition who can protect the rim and bring size around the basket.

Ensoll’s 2025–26 WNBL campaign underlined that potential. According to UC Davis, she averaged 8.2 points and 10.6 rebounds per game for Endeavour Ipswich, while also producing eight games with 15 or more points.

Her WEABL numbers at Copleston were even more eye-catching. UC Davis listed her high school averages at 15.3 points, 16.3 rebounds and 4.1 blocks per game, while shooting 49 per cent from the field. She was also named WEABL South Conference Defensive Player of the Year in her final season.

Ensoll has already represented Great Britain at youth level, appearing at the 2025 FIBA U18 Women’s EuroBasket. She played in all seven games and ranked second on the team with 4.7 rebounds per game as GB reached the quarter-finals.

The move is another positive marker for the British women’s pathway, with domestic academy and WNBL experience helping a player progress into a Division I environment. UC Davis compete in the Big West Conference and will now add Ensoll’s size and defensive presence to their frontcourt for 2026–27.

For British basketball followers, it is also another player to track in the NCAA system as more homegrown prospects look to combine elite sport, education and international development opportunities overseas.

Image credit: mdburnette / WordPress Photos, CC0. Generic basketball image used for editorial illustration.

Sources

• UC Davis Athletics: Holly Ensoll joins women’s basketball programme
• Basketball England: Ipswich and Copleston forward Ensoll commits to D1 UC Davis