Seventeen-year-old Andie Smith has secured her place in Tasmania’s sporting history, becoming the second development player signed to the state’s inaugural WNBL team.
The rising star will join the Tasmania Jewels for their debut 2026/27 season, fulfilling a lifelong dream of playing professional basketball at home.
“This is surreal,” Smith said. “To be a part of the first ever Tasmania Jewels team is the stuff of dreams.”
Smith comes from basketball royalty. Her father Darren played over 200 NBL games, while sister Alanna competes in the WNBA and holds Olympic and World Championship medals.
But Jewels head coach Claudia Brassard insists the selection was based purely on talent, not family connections.
“Andie is a really exciting prospect,” Brassard said. “She’s a genuine 6’4″ forward who can move, handle the ball and play multiple positions.”
“Players with that combination of size and skill are hard to find, and she’s only just scratching the surface of what she can become.”
Despite her age, Smith boasts an impressive resume. She’s a four-time Tasmanian national representative and helped Australia’s under-17 team win the Oceania Championship.
She’s currently in her second year on scholarship at Australia’s basketball Centre of Excellence in Canberra.
“I always thought I would have to leave home to play in the WNBL, so to have this chance to wear a Tasmania jersey and play in front of a home crowd is really incredible,” Smith said.
Smith joins fellow Tasmanian Nikki Parker as a development player. The Jewels will field one more development player alongside 10 rostered players.
Assistant general manager Kayla Steindl said recruiting local talent remained a priority for the franchise.
“The Tasmania Jewels give young Tasmanians an opportunity they’ve never had before, to stay and play here at home,” Steindl said.
The season begins in October, with games split between Hobart’s MyState Bank Arena and Launceston’s Silverdome.
