Rinaldi Goes Again

The Ballarat Miners Women are pleased to announce that veteran Kristy Rinaldi will play her 16^th season with the Ballarat Miners when she takes to the floor in the 2023 NBL1 South season.

Rinaldi has played 330 games for the Miners holding the women’s games recorded with only Eric Hayes above her in the number of club games at this level.

Upon re-signing with the Miners Rinaldi said “When I started playing for the Lady Miners you don't really think of how many games you're going to play, you're just excited to be part of it. I've played with great players over the years and have seen players develop, thrive and grow.”

Rinaldi added “I'm excited for this season with a local coach, some great imports, plus our younger players along with Abbey Wehrung returning home. This will make our goal of making finals a real reality.”

Over the off-season, Rinaldi welcomed her first child Frankie with her partner and is looking forward to having her games this season saying “As far as juggling motherhood and sleep, well that's really up to Frankie our little girl. I'm incredibly grateful to have a supportive partner and family, that is making this year possible, and a dream come true to have my daughter watch on. I know I will treasure these moments in the future.”

Ballarat Miners Women’s Head Coach Rob Baker said “Kristy not only brings leadership to the group on and off the court but is the ultimate professional who has looked after her body in a way to ensure that after 330 games, she is still a necessary contributor on the court”

Ballarat Miners Elite Teams Committee Member Lynly Doherty said, “Each year that Kristy returns our program is better for it.”

Doherty added, “The leadership and experience that Kristy brings to our program is invaluable, she sets the tone and we are grateful to have Kristy a part of the program for another year”

In addition to Rinaldi returning the Miners also welcome Molly Mathews. Mathews has played 114 games with the Miners and is excited to return saying “I’m really looking forward to this year, it is exciting to be back and enjoying basketball again.

Doherty spoke of Mathews saying, “It’s great to have Molly back at training and amongst the team again. She brings a wealth of experience from her time representing the Miners”.

Baker added “It's great to have Molly back as part of the Miners program, she brings valuable experience at a state, national and NBL1 level across multiple conferences and teams, and it’s exciting to see her back in her junior colours”

The addition of Rinaldi and Mathews takes the Miners women to eight total player signings behind Abbey Wehrung, Millie Cracknell, Jemma Amoore, Annie Collins, Milly Sharp and Emma Karamovic for the 2023 season. Two additional players will be announced soon with their arrivals coming partway through the season.  The NBL1 South season starts on April 1^st, 2023. Memberships are now on sale via Miners Memberships