Rinaldi to retire at season’s end

End of era: Ballarat Miners Women games record holder Kristy Rinaldi has called time on her playing days with the club’s top side. Photo: IAN WILSON

LONG-time Ballarat Miners women squad member Kristy Rinaldi has announced her retirement from competitive basketball.

The club’s female games record holder will drop the curtain on her lengthy time on court after the Miners last regular NBL1 South season game on 15 July.

“I’ve given all my life to basketball and in particular this club,” she said.

“I’ve played 20 years and I am about to reach 350 games this weekend which is something I’m really proud of.

“I feel like my ability is still there, but my desire isn’t. I always knew this season was going to be my last.

“I’ve given so much to the game and now I’m going to enjoy sitting back and watching from afar.

“I have the most amazing family. They really have been incredible in this journey with me. It takes a village to raise a child and trying to do that and play semi-professional sport isn’t easy.

“They have been absolutely amazing in helping me play this season with my daughter being so young.”

As the final game of the regular season is on the road in Bendigo, the last chance to see Rinaldi in action on home court will be this this Sunday 9 July at 12pm when the Miners take on the Diamond Valley Eagles.

At 181-cenitmeter guard, Rinaldi has registered strong playing time in 2023, generally on court for more than 25 minutes a game.

In 19 appearances during this season she’s averaged more than seven points, two assists and 4.5 rebounds a game.