Basketball Legend Retires

Ballarat Rush captain Kristy Rinaldi has announced that she will not be returning to the team in 2019.

A Police Officer based and working in Melbourne, Rinaldi travelled this year to continue playing but her increased work responsibilities and living on the opposite side of the city made continuing to travel unrealistic.

Rinaldi in advising her team mates of her decision said “this hasn’t been an easy decision but with a lot of thought and consideration over the past few months I’ve realised that the timing is right for me to pursue my working and playing career in Melbourne”.

“It’s been an incredible 13 years in the Rush senior program and an honour to lead the Rush for the last 7 years. I’ve given my absolute heart and soul to this wonderful club and will deeply miss putting the uniform on and running out in front of the best crowd in the league”.

“I still love Ballarat and it will forever be my home but I’m looking forward to the next chapter of my basketball career. I would like to thank you all for everything you have done for me during my time in Ballarat. We’ve shared a lot of highs and lows but the one thing that always remained is the professionalism and respect for each other”.

A 297 game player in SEABL and the Rush games record holder Rinaldi leaves with the clubs blessing and best wishes.

Basketball Ballarat Peter Eddy said “Kristy exemplifies all that is good in sport, total dedication and commitment, a very professional approach to training and playing and a strong sense of leadership within the program”.

“Kristy made a huge sacrifice to continue travelling to play in 2018 and it is time she put herself first and enjoyed playing sport around her professional career without the added travel burden”.

“She has been an outstanding leader of our club and has been a terrific role model for all junior athletes coming through the program”. Eddy added.

A formal recognition of Kristy’s contribution to our program will be made later this year.

 

For more information on the Basketball Ballarat Elite Teams please contact Elite Teams Administrator Melissa Thomas via 5330 7604 or Melissa.Thomas@ballaratbasketball.com