Jackies’ ‘cornerstone’ captain announces retirement

The JackJumpers’ first and only skipper Clint Steindl has called time on his remarkable career, and gave a hint of his future role. Here’s what he said.

Jon Tuxworth and James Bresnehan

2 min read

February 14, 2025 - 8:30AM

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Clint Steindl with the NBL trophy last year. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)

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Tasmania JackJumpers skipper Clint Steindl has been hailed as a “cornerstone” of the club’s early success after announcing his retirement from professional basketball on Friday morning.

The JackJumpers’ captain will miss the cut and thrust of elite basketball and hopes to stay involved in the game off-court, but says he is not a future NBL coach.

His enormous legacy, particularly at the Tasmanian start-up franchise, is something he will reflect on long after the dust settles on his retirement decision.

“I am conscious of it but I do try to play it down and it keeps me level,” Steindl said.

“Some of the messages I have received and talking to some of my closest teammates and friends over this journey, listening to them talk, it certainly makes me feel special in terms of how I have tried to impact some lives.

“The more important thing is how they have been able to impact my life and the things I have learned from them.”

Steindl seems headed for a basketball career off the court, but not as an NBL head coach.

“I don’t think so — I haven’t really looked down that career pathway, but definitely not in the short term.”

Coach Scott Roth often reminisces about headhunting Steindl as the man to help lead the NBL’s newest club after a memorable, two-championship tenure with Perth.

The Mackay-born 35-year-old is hanging up the boots after 356 NBL games and three championships, the latest the Jackies’ memorable triumph in 2023-24.

“I have so much love and respect for Clint and his family. This journey with him has been remarkable over the last four years,” Roth said in a club statement.

“He represents everything that’s great about professional sports on and off the floor, and he’s been a cornerstone of what the JackJumpers stand for.

“He has given his heart and soul to this team, and to say he will be missed is an understatement.

“He will definitely not be forgotten from the playing group, and we look forward to what his next journey looks like - hopefully working for the JackJumpers in some capacity.

“He has been intricate in everything that we’ve done here from the first day that he arrived — a classic pro, a grade-A human being, a wonderful father, and a role model to all of our young players that have come through in the last four years.”

Steindl with wife Kayla and sons Addi and Noah before last year’s Christmas game. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Steindl has been the Jackies captain for all four years of their existence thus far. He will go down as one of the most deadly three point shooters over a long term period the league has seen.

He is the first key pillar to leave the club, who have other roster decisions to make after missing the playoffs for the first time.

“His leadership wasn’t just about what he did on the court, it was how he lifted those around him, how he welcomed new players, how he made everyone feel like they belonged,” JackJumpers CEO Christine Finnegan said.

“While he may be stepping away from playing, Clint Steindl will always be part of the JackJumpers family. His legacy is woven into the fabric of this club, and his influence will continue to inspire the next generation of JackJumpers.”