Tasmania Jewels star inspires Lauderdale students

STUDENTS at Lauderdale Primary School recently had the opportunity to meet one of Tasmania’s newest sporting stars, with Tasmania Jewels marquee player Steph Reid visiting the school ahead of the club’s inaugural WNBL season.
Reid, an Australian Opal and WNBL champion, spent time with students, sharing her journey to elite basketball and encouraging young people to pursue their goals both on and off the court.
The visit forms part of the Tasmania Jewels’ commitment to connecting with communities across the state as the club prepares for its first season.
Reid said inspiring the next generation was one of the reasons she was excited to join Tasmania’s new WNBL team.
“I’m so excited to build on what the JackJumpers have achieved with the Jewels,” she said.
“It’s really exciting for young girls and boys to connect with us, and hopefully we can make a huge difference.
“You can’t be what you can’t see, so this is an amazing opportunity to inspire the next generations.”
Reid said meeting students at Lauderdale Primary School had been a highlight.
“Visiting Lauderdale Primary School was incredible,” she said.
“I can’t wait to meet even more kids across the state.
“We want to be as accessible as possible, to be a part of our community, to be mentors and to be role models.”
The 29-year-old joins the Tasmania Jewels after a successful career in Australia, Europe and Asia. Despite never making a state team as a junior and often being told she was too small to succeed, Reid went on to become a WNBL champion and represent Australia as an Opal.
Jewels coach Claudia Brassard said Reid’s story made her a powerful role model for young Tasmanians.
“She’s the underdog who succeeded,” Brassard said.
“She’s Tasmania personified. She’s Tasmania in a Jewels jersey.”
The Tasmania Jewels will make their WNBL debut in October with home games to be played in both Hobart and Launceston.