Raised in Canberra, Cassell's senior club rowing was from the Australian National University Boat Club.
Cassell first made New South Wales state representation in 1983 in the lightweight four which contested the Victoria Cup at the Interstate Regatta within the Australian Rowing Championships.[1] She raced that event twice again in 1984 and 1990 when she stroked the New South Wales four.[2]
In ANU colours she contested national championship events at the Australian Rowing Championships. She rowed at five in a composite Australian Capital Territory eight competing for the open women's eight title in 1982.[3] In 1983, she was in the three seat of a composite eight comprising the New South Wales state selected lightweight plus heavyweight women's fours.[4]
