The Ballarat Basketball Club today announced that Karen Ashby would be returning to play for the Lady Miners in 2010.

Coach of the Lady Miners, Kym Cassells is “Thrilled to have Karen back in the team, she brings so much experience, which so important in the development of our younger players”

Ballarat Basketball Club General Manager, Robbie Burns said “It’s fantastic to have a player of Karen’s calibre back in the team, she is a proven superstar in this league, who has won multiple League Most Valuable Player awards”.

Ashby’s last year with the Ballarat Community Health Lady Miners was in 2007 when she won the league MVP averaging 21 points and 10 rebounds per game. Since then she has played in the WNBL with the Bendigo Spirit and most recently had a year off to concentrate on her family with the arrival of her daughter Eliza.

When asked about her return to the Lady Miners Ashby said, “I'm really excited to get back on the court. I love playing for the Lady Miners and this year is a great group of girls, with a few of the old faces back in the team. I am loving being a mum and look forward to Christian bringing Eliza along to games decked out in some Miners gear!"

The Ballarat Community Health Lady Miners kick off their season at home against Launceston Tornadoes on the 20th of March .