Leicester Riders have today confirmed their first signing of the off-season, with the talented Great Britain Under-20 international Katie Januszewska returning to the club for the 2023/24 season.

“KJ” is a Charnwood product, joining the Academy in 2020. 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 be continuing my studies while playing basketball for the Riders, who have had a big part in my journey so far.”

The news comes following the appointment of Stanley, the women’s NBL Division One Coach of the Year, as head coach on Wednesday.