Reyer Venezia has closed the summer market with the arrival of Alexia Chery, a 23‑year‑old French forward/center who signs a contract for the 2026‑27 A1 Women’s season. The club aims to improve its paint presence and add more pick‑and‑roll options.
Who is Alexia Chery?
Alexia Chery comes from the French league, where she spent two seasons with Lyon, averaging 12.4 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game in the 2025‑26 season. Standing 190 cm, she can play both on the wing and in the post, offering tactical flexibility. The Frenchwoman also has experience in European youth tournaments, where she shot 48 % from the field.
Why did Reyer Venezia target Chery?
Head coach Luca Bianchi explained that the team needs a physical presence in the paint to match the league’s strongest squads. "With Chery we add a forward/center who can finish at the rim and defend the rebound," Bianchi said at the press conference in Venice. Moreover, Chery’s ability to stretch the defense with a 30 % three‑point rate last season opens space for guards like Mariella Santucci.
How will she fit into the roster?
Reyer Venezia’s women’s roster already includes point guard Mariella Santucci, guard Chiara Fusari and young wing Emma Volpato. Chery will enter the rotation as the fourth center but could start against teams that prefer a faster pace. Her impact will be assessed from the first league game scheduled for October 12, 2026, against Brescia Femminile.
What are the expectations for the season?
Reyer Venezia aims to return to the playoffs after a 2025‑26 season hampered by injuries. Chery’s arrival should raise the team’s average rebound total by about 2.5 per game, according to analyst Marco De Luca. If the Frenchwoman maintains her 12‑point average, the squad could exceed 70 points per game, a notable jump from the 64 points last year.
What does this mean for Italian women’s basketball?
Signing a mid‑high‑level foreign player like Chery signals a growing openness of the Italian league to international talent. This move could attract more sponsors and boost the visibility of the A1 Women’s league, especially if Reyer Venezia competes for a playoff spot.
Alexia Chery is ready to wear the red jersey and bring her energy to the lagoon city. Fans will see her at the first practice on September 3, 2026, at the PalaLido in Venice.