Get ready to witness history in the making! The Tasmania Jewels have just taken a monumental step toward their WNBL debut by appointing Olympian Claudia Brassard as their very first head coach. But here's where it gets exciting: Brassard isn't just any coach—she's a basketball powerhouse with over 20 years of elite experience, including 150 international games and a spot on the 2000 Olympic stage. Her coaching resume? Equally impressive. She steered the Townsville Fire to the 2018 WNBL championship and snagged back-to-back titles as an assistant coach in 2015 and 2016. And this is the part most people miss: Brassard’s vision for the Jewels goes beyond wins and losses. She’s passionate about building a team that embodies the spirit of Tasmania—disciplined, hard-working, and fiercely proud. 'I’m thrilled to be part of creating a team that Tasmanians can truly see themselves in,' she shared. 'It’s about setting high standards in everything we do, from training to representing the state.'
Controversial take alert: Could Brassard’s emphasis on discipline and pride be the secret sauce to not just competing, but dominating in the WNBL? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: her energy is infectious. 'I already feel a strong sense of belonging here,' she added. 'That same sense of community will be what draws exceptional players to the Jewels.'
Jewels and JackJumpers executive chair Steve Old couldn’t contain his enthusiasm. 'This marks the beginning of a new era for Tasmanian basketball,' he declared. 'Finding a coach who shares our values and vision was no small feat, but Claudia embodies everything we were looking for—and more.'
Assistant general manager Kayla Steindl echoed the sentiment, calling the appointment a 'major milestone.' She painted a vivid picture of what’s to come: 'First, it’s the coach, then the players, then the high-performance team. Before you know it, the Jewels will be playing in front of their home crowd. Imagine little girls across Tasmania watching and thinking, ‘I can do that too.’’
Here’s the burning question: With Brassard at the helm, can the Tasmania Jewels become a WNBL powerhouse? Or will they face challenges that even her experience can’t overcome? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this conversation is just getting started!
