Birmingham, England – Former Sunshine Girls Head Coach, Connie Francis, is set to bring her renowned expertise to the United Kingdom as she assumes the role of Director of Netball for the Birmingham Panthers.
In this pivotal position, Francis will help the team navigate its debut season in the 2025 Netball Super League (NSL), aiming to establish the franchise as a dominant force in British netball.
The Birmingham Panthers, a new entrant to the NSL, recently announced their mission to “elevate netball to unprecedented heights,” and their partnership with Francis marks a significant step in that journey. “This partnership is aimed at setting new standards for competitive achievement and athletic growth, aligning with the Panthers’ mission to become a formidable force in the NSL and to truly represent the passion and diversity of Birmingham and the West Midlands,” the team stated in a press release.
Francis, who served as both a player and a coach for Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls, led the national team to an impressive bronze medal finish at the 2023 Netball World Cup in Cape Town—their first World Cup podium finish in 16 years. Her contract with the Sunshine Girls concluded at the end of 2023, but her passion for advancing the sport continues, now in a new chapter with the Panthers.
Thrilled to be here in England
“I am thrilled to be here in England and to join the Birmingham Panthers franchise at such an exciting moment in the league’s development,” said Francis. “I look forward to embracing the challenges of this role and to collaborating closely with the athletes, stakeholders, and everyone involved.”
Beyond the competitive arena, Francis will be responsible for expanding netball’s visibility and impact across Birmingham and the West Midlands, building on the team’s commitment to inspire and engage new fans. She will also collaborate with Jo Trip, the Panthers’ Head Coach, to shape the team’s performance strategy and guide their inaugural season.
As the Panthers prepare to make their mark, Francis’s legacy of success with Jamaica’s national team—marked by her strategic insights, dedication to player development, and deep understanding of the sport—positions her as a formidable leader ready to push boundaries and set new standards in the NSL.
