Norfolk, who's Rebels' story began in 2015 when he volunteered as an Assistant Coach during the performance basketball programme's early stages, led Essex to a second place finish in the D1M regular season in 2023/24; narrowly pipped on a head-to-head tiebreaker by eventual champs Derby Trailblazers.
After being appointed as the head coach in 2016, Norfolk guided the men’s team through an impressive rise through the NBL pyramid, starting in Division Four, before reaching the top flight in 2021.
In 2019, the 34-year-old was appointed as the assistant basketball coach at the University of Essex, taking on the responsibility of overseeing and head coaching the men’s side of the university programme.
Under Norfolk’s leadership, the men’s team has claimed a BUCS South title and made two semi-final appearances in the BUCS National Championships alongside the programme's NBL feats, whilst Norfolk also picked up Coach of the Year awards in D3 (2019) and D2 (2020).
"Ross’ journey with us over the last 11 years has been inspirational. Starting as a volunteer assistant coach, then as a paid part-time coach, and then a full-time coach, Ross took over head coach responsibilities for our men’s teams and has never looked back.
"Guiding the Essex Rebels team all the way from NBL Division Four through to a second-place finish in Division One last season, as well as guiding the university team to a BUCS Premier South title has been a remarkable achievement.
"Over this period the men’s basketball programme at the University of Essex has developed and grown into one of the best in the country, during which time Ross has also become recognised as one of the best coaches in the game. His drive and commitment is coupled with compassion and care for the players in his charge, and Ross is a very popular personality amongst everyone in sport at the university, as well as with the Essex Rebels fans.
"I would just like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to Ross for everything he has contributed and achieved and wish him the very best of luck in his future ventures."
"I am forever grateful for the opportunity I have had to live out a dream. Leading and developing a men’s team in my hometown is special.
"I thank all the amazing people I have had the pleasure of working with over the last decade. It has been a labour of love and privilege to be part of the Essex and Rebels journey.
"I hope I have had a positive impact on the players, coaches, staff and local community. I am so grateful for all the relationships and friendships that have been created over the years.
"I am not sure what is next for me, maybe I’ll be back in the future, but I do hope my next work chapter is as fun as the last. I am proud to leave the programme in a better place than when I found it.”
Despite what was an incredibly challenging period, the Rebels not only decided to continue their season, but secured a playoff spot with a 14-10 sixth-place finish.
A 94-74 defeat to eventual playoff champs Reading Rockets would end Essex's season at the quarter-final stage, but the campaign was a testament to the character and unity that Norfolk had fostered within the team.
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All image credits - Sanne Hoffman
