The decorated basketball figure said travel and an increased working schedule were the main reasons behind the decision.

Working in Melbourne, Rinaldi travelled this year to continue her commitment to the club, but with a bigger workload expected she decided to call time on her celebrated career.

The 297-game player said it was a difficult decision to make, but she was proud of what she had achieved with the club.

This hasnt been an easy decision but with a lot of thought and consideration over the past few months Ive realised that the timing is right for me to pursue my working and playing career in Melbourne, Rinaldi told the Rush playing group and staff.

Its been an incredible 13 years in the Rush senior program and an honour to lead the Rush for the last seven years. Ive 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.

Rinaldi thanked Rush for what they had given to her over the years and stated she would always call Ballarat home.

I still love Ballarat and it will forever be my home, but Im 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.

Weve shared a lot of highs and lows but the one thing that always remained is the professionalism and respect for each other.

Basketball Ballarat chief executive Peter Eddy said Rinaldi had been an outstanding part of the Rush program, providing professional standards, great leadership and on-court class.

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, Eddy said.

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.

Rinaldi played 20 matches in the 2018 South East Australian Basketball League season, averaging 10.8 points and five rebounds as Rush finished 13^th on the overall ladder.

Rinaldi will be formally recognised by Rush later in the year.