Rinaldi returns to Ballarat

The Ballarat Rush will welcome back an experienced campaigner in 2021 NBL1 South Season after re-signing Kristy Rinaldi.

Rinaldi holds the club record of 297 games for the Rush over a 13 year period and will provide significant experience to the roster.

“I’m really excited to be back playing with the Selkirk Ballarat Rush after a few years away. Ballarat is my home town and to be back in the Rush colours is something I’m really looking forward to,” Rinaldi said.

Like many players Rinaldi was looking forward to playing in front of the home crowd in the new facility and complimented both Ballarat and the NBL1 for the work behind the scenes in preparation of the upcoming season.

“I also can’t wait to play in the new Ballarat Sports Events Centre. I think Ballarat and the NBL1 have done an incredible job to get this season up and running considering the global pandemic. I think it will be a really tough season with some great players returning to the league and I know all the girls can’t wait to get out there,” Rinaldi said.

“I think Eric [Hayes] and Megan [Collins] have done a fantastic job over the last few years in building the team and players. I certainly watched closely in 2019 at how they played and I think it will be exciting to watch.

“Ballarat is my home town and I love the family atmosphere it has, it really is like no other place. The community and fans are what makes you want to play here. They are just as passionate as the players and I can’t wait to be back.”

Rinaldi is the fourth Ballarat player announced alongside Alicia Froling, Claire Blower and Claire Constable ahead of the 2021 NBL1 South Season.