Riders retain Januszewska

 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.”

Riders sign Januszewska

Leicester Riders are delighted to announce the signing of Katie Januszewska for their 2023/24 roster. 

Januszewska is a Charnwood product, joining the Academy in 2020. She signs a four-year deal, and will study for a degree at Loughborough University.

In 2021/2022, the versatile 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. 

Last season, Januszewska joined St Francis Brooklyn in NCAA Division One, before returning to the East Midlands for the upcoming year. 

“We’re really excited to have KJ back,” said head coach Ben Stanley.

“She knows how our programme works and her experience from a young age at WNBL1, WBBL and National Teams is going to be invaluable.  

“She’s got a diverse game that can really help us and she plays hard, and I think that’s going to really help us as we establish our culture.”

“I am excited for the opportunity,” said  Januszewska.

“I’m grateful to be able to return home and continue my studies while playing basketball for the Riders, who have had a big part in my journey so far.”

Katie Januszewska joins the Leicester Riders

Katie Januszewska has joined Charnwood College and will play in the WBBL and WEABL this upcoming season. 

The 5’11 guard previously played for the Derby Trailblazers division 2 and helped the U16s make an appearance at the junior final fours. Last season, the scoring machine averaged 30 points per game with a monster triple-double against Sheffield Hatters – 50 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists.

 “I am excited to join the Riders this season,” commented Katie. “This is a great opportunity for me to learn and work alongside such talented players.”

“The team has been hugely welcoming and supportive and are always happy to share their knowledge with me which I appreciate.”

Januszewska has also represented both England at the u15’s Copenhagen invitational tournament and Great Britain at the 2019 FIBA European Championship.

WBBL Head Coach Jesper Sundberg commented: “it’s been a pleasure working with KJ these first weeks of preseason. She has already shown a desire to compete with our more experienced players.”

“I’m extremely excited to see how she can develop and improve in a senior environment.”

Katie is now the 12th and the youngest player announced by the Riders for the WBBL 2020-21 season.