ARAD, Romania — Some days are more difficult than others for Jence Rhoads.

The Slippery Rock High graduate spends most of the fall and winter months these days in Europe, playing professional basketball nearly 5,000 miles away from home.

It’s always been difficult for Rhoads to be away from her family for such an extended period of time. But this year has been different. It’s her first season away from home after the death of her father, Posey Rhoads, after a long illness.

Posey died in April.

“I would love to be home with my mom (Melinda) or be able to go see my sisters’ (Kentucky Wesleyan College seniors Karly and Kourtney Rhoads) games,” Jence Rhoads said. “But I also don’t want to give up what I am doing. My dad was so proud that I am able to play professional basketball and now he is finally able to watch me play again. I have that in the back of my mind every time I play now. It’s important for me to play for him this season.”

So, Rhoads is in a different city again this season, playing for ICIM Arad in the Romanian League.

Last season she played for Saint George in the same league and was recognized as the circuit’s best point guard.

The offer she received from Arad was too good for the Vanderbilt University graduate to pass up.

Arad is one of the top teams in the league, loaded with talent and play a style that fits Rhoads’ skill set.

The team is 7-0 this season and has scored 90 or more points three times.

“I had a few offers this summer, including Germany and Slovakia,” Rhoads said. “But the contract in Romania turned out to be the best. The team won the championship last year and has a good reputation of winning and treating their players the right away.”

This is Rhoads’ fourth professional season overseas.

She spent her first two seasons in Haukar in the Icelandic League before moving to Romania last year.

In her three-plus seasons, she has scored 1,408 points and dished out 577 assists in 100 career professional games.

Her best season came in 2011-12 when she scored 660 points and had 248 assists for Haukar.

This season Rhoads doesn’t have to be a go-to scorer. She can be a passer with four double-digit scorers surrounding her on the floor.

She is averaging 8.6 points and 3.3 assists per game for Arad.

“The style of play is part of the reason why I am enjoying it much more than last year,” Rhoads said. “The coach did a good job fitting us together for a true team style of play.”

Rhoads has learned the ropes of European basketball over the years and said she finally feels comfortable with the hectic schedule.

And she’s also learned to take time and enjoy living in a much different culture.

“I’ve learned to make the most of the opportunity I have been given,” Rhoads said. “I don’t pass up any opportunity to do or see something that I might never get a chance to do again.

“I know what to expect from each team,” Rhoads added. “It helps with preparation and feeling confident against teams. Also, I know what to expect with the long bus rides.”

Rhoads has one goal: to win a league title.

“I’m focusing on keeping this winning streak going and hopefully we can get a championship out of this season,” she said.