AFTER five seasons in the American College system, Ipswich Force basketballer Kate Head seized on the opportunity to rejoin her home team.

Although the Ipswich women are still searching for a breakthrough NBL1 North win after five games, point guard Head was upbeat about being back in familiar territory.

“Since it’s my first year in the league, I definitely want to get myself settled and get more comfortable and move well in the league because I definitely think there’s still room for me to improve and become a more developed player in this league,” she said.

The Force women lost 95-76 to Rockhampton last Saturday night before the Ipswich men went down 105-100 despite 29 points from DJ Mitchell and 24 points from captain Jason Ralph.

 Head, a former Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School student, is keen to build on her basketball career after two university seasons with Kennesaw State and graduating after three years with Minot State.

She is happy to be home having previously played for Ipswich Force in the former Queensland Basketball League (QBL) competition, before it became NBL1 North.

“It’s been really fun,” Head said.

“I’ve come back and seeing people I used to see growing up all the time.

“Everyone has been super welcoming.”

Head said extensive time in the US boosted his basketball confidence.

“It helped a ton,” she said.

“I got to move into a school and a team situation where I was able to be more comfortable and play with other Australians, which was pretty cool . . . and just being in that environment was very beneficial for me.”

Ipswich born and bred Head previously played with current teammates Georgia Ralph and Iris Cubit before the major challenge of venturing overseas.

“I’d definitely say just being away from home and missing out on all those things that your family usually do . . . like events together, birthdays, weddings, engagement parties and funerals,” Head said.

Head continued to display her immense ability and work ethic.

She won MVP awards with Kennesaw and was among the leading players for all-time assists [269] at Minot where she gained elite recognition.

“It (College basketball)  was definitely a huge satisfaction,” she said.

“Being able to do well and get comfortable in a basketball system and environment that’s very intense.

“I made a number of lifelong friends over there from over the world and some even from Australia that I still hang out with and spend time with today.”

Head also graduated from Minot State University with a Masters in Business Management.

Having turned 24 in March, Head is proud of her Ipswich upbringing, having started playing as an eight-year-old and rising through the Force junior program into state league competition.

“It’s been such a good experience for me and I’ve loved my time in Ipswich,” the former St Mary’s Primary school student said.

“It’s been some of the best times of my life.

“I’ve really enjoyed growing up through the Ipswich system.”

Photo: LYLE RADFORD

Head (pictured) appreciates the support of current head coach Brad George, along with former mentors like Ipswich Basketball life member Terry Lindeberg and Dave Chettle.

“Terry coached me through nearly all of my junior career,” the former Queensland Schoolgirls captain and Australian Schoolgirls representative player said.

“He was massive in me developing as a junior player.

“Brad also was a massive help in that because he was my QBL coach.

“That’s why I moved into college. He was really helpful during that period where I transitioned from junior into more senior level of playing.”

Head welcomed another outstanding Ipswich prospect and guard Charlotte Hegvold, who returned against Rockhampton after a successful stint with Weber State University.

Hegvold had just flown home from the United States.

“It’s really good to have our Ipswich juniors coming back to where they started out and then able to come back as more developed players,” Head said.

“Really show how we’ve improved during our time away.”

The Ipswich Force teams host the Gold Coast Seahawks in their next matches on Saturday night.