Tasmania Jewels marquee signing Steph Reid has been named in the Australian Opals squad for the FIBA World Cup in Germany this September, learning of her selection on her 30th birthday.
Reid is one of 12 players picked to represent Australia at the tournament before she relocates to Tasmania to join the Jewels.
The World Cup is regarded as the biggest event in women’s basketball outside the Olympic Games, bringing together the world’s top 16 nations in Berlin.
Australia qualified as the reigning Asia Cup champions and will be chasing its first World Cup title since 2006.
“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.”
Reid said the selection capped a whirlwind few months.
“There’s been so many times where I’ve felt like the nice guy never wins,” she said.
“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.”
She was out shopping with her sister in Melbourne when the call came through.
After phoning her mum, Reid’s second call was to Jewels head coach Claudia Brassard.
Brassard responded with 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.
“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.”
