Tag: jensen caretti

Caretti returns to US after season-ending injury

Close to three months after joining Betsson Depiro, US import player Jensen Caretti will be heading home to tackle an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury which ended her season early after the team’s first Women’s John Tabone Shield fixture against Hibernians in October.

In a statement on her socials, Caretti expressed her disappointment in the fact that “my time has come to face what an ACL tear feels like”.

“Just when you think certain things can’t/won’t happen to you, they do,” Caretti said.

“I’m not really one to share what’s going on in my personal life, but unfortunately, my time has come to face what an ACL tear feels like and having to work through the atrocities that it brings. I will be coming home tomorrow and be having my surgery within the upcoming weeks.

“I truly believe everything happens for a reason and that God works in the most mysterious ways. I don’t know what He has planned for me, i just know He has never put me through anything i haven’t overcome yet. Trusting Him through it all. Just know that when I recover, I’m coming back stronger and better – coming for everything thats mine. 

“Thank you to all who have been there for me through this process so far and thank you in advance to those who will be there with me throughout my surgery and recovery. I’m appreciative of the support and care that my teammates, coaches, and staff gave me throughout the season. It’s been real Malta!”

Jensen Caretti tore her ACL against Hibernians in October. VIDEO | Malta Basketball Association

Caretti, who was signed by the Mtarfa-based side back in August, was brought on to help the team push for redemption after last season’s playoff finals disappointment which saw the team drop a two-game lead against Caffe Moak Luxol in May.

Things were looking up as Caretti put up 21 points and 12 rebounds in her debut in the Super Cup final against Luxol for Julian Naudi’s side as they lifted their first trophy since the Knockout in March. However, this feel-good factor came to an abrupt end a few days later when Caretti took an awkward fall during the team’s Shield clash with Hibs. The American returned to the court in the latter stages of the game but it was clear the issue would turn out more serious as the team lost both the game and the player. 

Since then, the club has also lost Malta international Sophie Abela who is now playing overseas wit CB Isla Bonita, however, they have signed former Malta player Joselle Borg Cardona and most recently Janai Crooms.

Depiro Women sign Jensen Caretti

MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League runners-up and Knockout winners Depiro announced their first signing of the summer when they confirmed American forward Jensen Caretti.

In a club statement on Thursday, the club welcomed the former Ohio State player.

“We’re delighted to welcome Jensen Caretti to our Senior Women’s Team!” The statement read. 

“A graduate of Ohio State University in the USA, Jensen had an outstanding season last year, winning both MVP and Player of the Year in Division One Basketball Ireland. She also played for iSecure Swords Thunder and finished second in scoring across all competitions. Welcome to Depiro, Jensen!”

The 6’2 Ohio native was last plying her trade in Ireland with Swords Basketball where she won the Division One Player of the Year award. She completed the season with a 22.4 points-per-game average and 9.9 rebounds per contest. Her Swords club celebrated the league title in April as Caretti was named Most Valuable Player.

Now she joins a Depiro side led by new coach Julian Naudi who will be looking to maintain last season’s solid showing which led to them finishing as the top seed at the end of the regular season. More importantly, the club will also be defending its title as Knockout champions after they beat Caffe Moak Luxol in the final in March.