New mum Garbin crowned as newest Jewel

Australian Opal and self-proclaimed ‘mum on a comeback’ Darcee Garbin has been crowned the next Tasmania Jewel.

The highly decorated 31-year-old West Australian, who’s won multiple medals with the Opals and in Europe, as well as two WNBL titles with Townsville and Perth, is set to return to the hardwood after the birth of her daughter Rose in December.

But the forward admits, there was a time she thought the final siren had sounded on her career.

“I was mentally and physically ready for a break from basketball, and ready for the next chapter as a mum,” Garbin said.

“If I didn’t play professionally again, I would be comfortable with that.

“But, in January, I was at HoopsFest in Perth, and I couldn’t shake the thought of playing.

“One of the first people I messaged was Claudia [Brassard], to ask if she thought I could do it, and her answer was an immediate ‘absolutely you can’, and then my mind was set.

“I have nothing to lose; I just want to be the best I can and be a good role model for Rose.

“I want her to grow up knowing that women can do anything and everything that they want.”

Garbin had her first game back on May 1, with the Perth NBL1 team Cockburn.

She will move to Tasmania for the WNBL season in August as part of a two-year contract with the Jewels.

Jewels Coach Claudia Brassard, who coached Garbin to the WNBL title win in 2019, said Garbin was exactly the type of player and person the Jewels wanted and needed.

“Darcee is one of the hardest workers I know, she’s dedicated, disciplined, and puts her team first, she was on my list from day one, that’s for sure,” Brassard said.

“On the court, she’s athletic, long, lean, and fast. She’s a great outside shooter and really good offensive rebounder.”

Brassard said when Garbin messaged her in January about her potential comeback, she had no hesitation in responding.

“I remember in 2001 when I had my daughter Maya, I really pushed the boundaries with the Canadian national team, they’d never had a mum play before,” she said.

“But credit to them, they made it happen. I took my six-month-old to the training camp with me, and I was supported every step of the way.

“Now, we don’t bat an eyelid, you can be a mum and an athlete, and that’s exactly how it should be.”

Garbin joins Keely Froling and development players Nikki Parker and Andie Smith on the Jewels’ roster for their inaugural season.