Tasmania Jewels marquee Steph Reid has learned that “the nice guy can win; it just takes a little longer” after landing her first World Cup with the Australian Opals on her 30th birthday.
Reid is one of 12 athletes selected to compete for the Australian Opals in the upcoming FIBA World Cup in Germany this September, before moving to Tasmania to join the Jewels.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet,” Reid said. “I’ve never had anything given to me the easy way, I’ve learned to manage my expectations, so I’d hoped but I didn’t expect.
“It’s one of the happiest moments of my life. I’ve always dreamt of going to a major tournament for Australia.
“There’s been so many times where I’ve felt like the nice guy never wins. But a friend of mine reminded me that the nice guy can win, it just takes a little longer, and I feel that.
“In the space of a few months, I’ve signed with the Jewels, I turned 30 and I’m going to the World Cup. This is the most exciting time of my life; the best is still ahead that’s for sure.”
Reid was out shopping with her sister in Melbourne when she received the call. After calling her mum, Reid’s second call was to Jewels Head Coach Claudia Brassard.
Brassard gave it a double fist pump and a couple of excited expletives, before congratulating Reid and wishing her a happy birthday.
“It’s an amazing and deserved reward for all of the hard work that she’s put in to getting where she is today,” Brassard said.
“From a kid who never made a state team, to an athlete selected for a World Cup, Steph is the living example of what hard work can achieve.
“I couldn’t be prouder of Steph, and it’s a proud day for the Tasmania Jewels too.
“One of our own Jewels is going to be competing on the world stage, doing us proud, and I can’t wait for us all to get behind her.”
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