Garbin on what leading the Jewels really means

Darcee Garbin has packed a lot into 15 years of professional basketball, including two WNBL championships and an Opals jersey among the highlights. But her newest honour might mean just as much as any of them.

Garbin has been named inaugural captain of the Tasmania Jewels, and she's ready to lead the WNBL's newest franchise with pride.

"[It's] definitely be up there … it's definitely in my top five," she told CODE Sports, reflecting on where the Jewels captaincy ranks among the biggest moments of her career.

Garbin got the call from Claudia Brassard with the news, joined by Keely Froling and Steph Reid as vice-captains.

“I’m beyond honoured and proud,” she told the club's website. “It is a great privilege to lead the Jewels, especially in our first season.  

“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.”

Jewels' head coach Brassard said the trio of Garbin, Froling and Reid lwere the perfect fit to lead the club into its inaugural campaign.

"We were really intentional with the three leadership group athletes that we recruited," Brassard said. "All three have won championships. They have all been really successful in the WNBL as well as overseas."

The Jewels tip off their WNBL27 season against Geelong Venom on October 15.

Read the full story here >> Darcee Garbin named inaugural captain of Tasmania Jewels ahead of first season