Leicester Riders are delighted to announce the retention of Katie Januszewska for the 2024-25 season. 

“KJ”, a Charnwood product, signed a multi-year deal with the Riders last summer, after joining the Academy in 2020. 

She averaged 7.6 points and 3.2 rebounds in her first year playing in the top-tier of British basketball, after an impressive 16-point debut against the Manchester Giants. 

Januszewska showed versatility on both ends throughout last season, establishing herself as one of the key pieces on Head Coach Ben Stanley’s roster. 

In 2021-2022, the 6’0” wing averaged 19.3 points and 11.7 rebounds in the WEABL and made the All-First Team in the Northern Conference.

She was also named to the Women’s NBL Division One British Team of the Year with the Loughborough Riders, putting up 13.5 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game. 

Januszewska commented: “I’m excited to be back at the Riders for another year, and I’m looking forward to getting started with the new team! We will build on the foundation from last season and look to compete with the top teams in the league.”

Head Coach Ben Stanley added: “We’re ecstatic to have KJ coming back to the programme. Above everything she’s a fantastic person with a phenomenal work ethic. Her commitment to getting better and commitment to her teammates is excellent. 

“We feel that she had a great summer with Great Britain’s Under 20s, and that she’s ready to make a step up for Riders women. She was fantastic last season, and with her ability to collapse defences, create for others, get to the rim and finish and knock down threes, I see a big jump for her this year. 

“We’re really happy that she’s back and continues to be a part of this programme.”