The Tasmania Jewels have named their inaugural captain ahead of their debut WNBL season, turning to one of the club’s most experienced recruits to lead the side.
Darcee Garbin, a 32-year-old West Australian, has won multiple medals as an Australian Opal and two WNBL championships with the Townsville Fire.
She has also captained the Perth Lynx and won a championship in Europe. The club confirmed her as the captain on Friday.
Steph Reid and Keely Froling were named vice captains, in what the club described as one of the “strongest leadership groups” in the WNBL.
Head coach Claudia Brassard said Garbin’s composure set her apart.
“I love how calm Darcee is under pressure and her ability to bring everyone together,” Brassard said.
“She will lift the team to meet the big moments by building strong connections in all those smaller moments.”
Garbin said she was humbled by the appointment.
“I’m beyond honoured and proud. It is a great privilege to lead the Jewels, especially in our first season,” she said.
“On the court, it’s about building connection and accountability. Off the court, it’s about making sure everyone can be their authentic self.”
“We’re a new team, a young team and almost everyone is new to calling Tasmania home, so we have a huge opportunity to create something truly special from the ground up.”
Brassard said choosing the captains was difficult given the quality of the playing group.
“We took a character-first approach to recruitment, which is great because we have an extraordinary group of humble and talented athletes, but it makes decisions like this tough,” she said.
She described Garbin as an authentic leader who deeply cares for others.
Froling brought a courageous voice, she said, unafraid to question or challenge, while Reid connected with every player having spent time both on the bench and in the starting side.
“We have a phenomenal group of leaders and players and we can’t wait to play for every Tasmanian. It’s not long now,” Brassard said.
The Jewels play their first game on October 15 at MyState Bank Arena in Hobart, followed by their Launceston Silverdome debut on October 31.
