Holly Winterburn will not be returning to the US to resume her college career after re-joining Leicester Riders on a three-year deal.
The GB starlet had transferred from Oregon to UC Davis, but has now opted to continue her education at home with the opportunity of a degree at Loughborough.
“I’m super excited to be back,” she said. “I’m in a great place mentally and physically so I can’t wait to get the pre-season underway.
“Playing in America was an amazing experience and I’m grateful for the memories and relationships I made. However, I missed home a lot so coming back to the UK was the best decision for me.”
“I have the perfect situation with the Riders, being able to study and play in the place that made me who I am today.”
Winterburn made her mark in the WBBL with the Riders, winning the league’s Young Player of the Year award in the 2017-18 campaign and repeated the feat the following season; also winning the WBBL Trophy having sustained an injury during the final.
The 19-year-old has been a standout performer at all age groups for England and Great Britain and was also MVP at the inaugural Women’s U19 game at the Hoopsfix All-Star Classic in 2019.
.@CharnwoodBball/@RidersWomen's @hollywinterburn shows out on her way to the inaugural #HASC19 Under-19 Women's Game MVP for her final game before heading to @OregonWBB! 🔥🇬🇧🏀 pic.twitter.com/GoCPsa0sR2
— Hoopsfix Women (@HoopsfixWomen) June 2, 2019
However, Winterburn is yet to receive a call-up to the Senior side, though that prospect looks more likely now that she is back on home soil due to the in-season qualifying windows.
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