Tasmania Jewels lock-in marquee player ~ Opal Steph Reid

She’s been described as ‘Tasmania in a Jewels jersey’, Australia’s small and mighty underdog Steph Reid is Tasmania’s marquee Jewel.  

Victorian-born Reid, 29, is returning to Australia after success in Europe and Asia, to don the eucalypt jersey, and Jewels Coach Claudia Brassard couldn’t be more thrilled.  

“Signing Steph is a significant moment for our club,” Brassard said. “Steph brings a level of experience that is incredibly valuable for an expansion club and she’s exactly the type of player you build around.

“She’s an elite athlete and relentless point guard, but what stands out most is her resilience. Steph never made a state team as a junior, she was told she’s too short, not good enough.

“Yet, she didn’t let anyone stop her or their doubts define her. She kept believing in herself, working hard and playing harder. She’s the underdog who succeeded. She’s Tasmania personified. She’s Tasmania in a Jewels jersey.”

Reid is a WNBL24 champion and an Australian Opal. Coming in at 5’6”, Reid admits she is born a competitor who plays bigger than her stature.

“Am I competitive? Oh yeah. Ever since I was little I wanted to win everything, whether it was a race to the front seat of the car or a basketball game,” Reid said.  

“I’ve heard a lot about Tasmania punching above its weight, about the underdog mentality, and I can definitely relate to that.”

Reid will move to Tasmanian in coming months and has two clear goals: to inspire and win.

“To have this chance to build a culture and legacy at a team, I’m really excited for that,” Reid said.  

“To build on what the JackJumpers have achieved with a women’s team will make a huge difference. You can’t be what you can’t see, so it’s an amazing opportunity to connect with young Tassie girls and boys.  

“But without doubt, I’m also here to win, to be at the top and make a splash. How historic would it be to win a Championship from year one, I think we have the makings to achieve that.”

Reid will join the team, pending WNBL review and approval, alongside  Darcee Garbin and Keely Froling as rostered players committed to the Jewels. They join local Development Players, Tasmanians Nikki Parker and Andie Smith.  

The opportunity for Tasmania Jewels membership will open soon.  

The season will start in October, with the Jewels playing half their games in Hobart at the MyState Bank Arena and half in Launceston at the Silverdome. 

‍