Ballarat Miners Women’s game record holder Kristy Rinaldi has announced that season 2023 will be her last.
Rinaldi has played 349 games for the Ballarat Miners and will finish her career on 352 in the final NBL1 games for the Miners Women against Bendigo on Saturday, July 15.
However, it will be the Miner’s last home on Sunday, July 9th where the club will celebrate the career of Rinaldi that started in 2003.
Rinaldi spoke of her time in basketball and the Miners “I’ve given all my life to basketball and in particular this club. 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.”
Rinaldi added “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.”
Former Head Coach and current assistant Peter Cunningham said “It is pleasing to see Kristy go out whilst on top and still contributing and adding value to the Miners, still a starting 5 player leading the next generation of Miner players with the same enthusiasm and love of the game. “
Cunningham added “I have been lucky to have been involved in a large number of these games and experienced first-hand her competitiveness and what a great teammate she has been, However the memories I will cherish most are the trips on the bus, the training nights and pre-game where her true character shines and we get to see the humour and competitiveness on display in all its glory”.
Current Senior Elite Teams women’s chair and former teammate Lynly Doherty said “Kristy has shown incredible commitment and dedication through the transition from Lady Miners, into the Rush and now ending as a Miner”.
Across 20 years Rinaldi has seen a lot saying “I've been really fortunate to have played with some great players over my career and have been coached by a lot of different people. They all have an impact on your life one way or another.”
Rinaldi added “A special thank you to my individual player sponsor for the continued support over my career.”
Rinaldi became a first-time mum over the off-season and is preparing for life after basketball saying “My priorities have changed having little Frankie and I’m really looking forward to spending more time with her and watching her grow up.”
Rinaldi will play her 350th game on Saturday night in Geelong on Saturday night before the celebrations will begin at Selkirk Stadium on Sunday.
