KINGSTON, Jamaica – Fresh off a commanding 3-0 series sweep over South Africa in the Margaret Beckford Sunshine Series, Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls continue to solidify their place among the world’s elite.
Yet, despite their recent string of triumphs, head coach Sasher-Gaye Henry remains adamant that there is still room for improvement as the team strives for even greater success.
The Sunshine Girls, currently ranked third in the world behind Australia and New Zealand, capped off 2024 with a hard-fought 2-1 series win over England in the Vitality Netball Horizon Series. They then opened 2025 in dominant fashion, dismantling South Africa in a clinical display.
While Henry is pleased with the team’s progress, she believes their recent victories must serve as a stepping stone, not a finish line.
“We are excited, but it means that now we have to look back on our programme and assess the individual needs of each player and the team as a whole,” she explained. “Going forward, we know there’s a lot of work ahead, but we are confident that we can get the job done and create the right platform for our girls to thrive.”
A testament to depth and versatility
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Sunshine Girls’ recent performances is how they have thrived despite a lengthy hiatus from international competition. Their last official match before the England series was at the 2023 Netball World Cup, yet they showed no signs of rust against well-prepared opposition.
“It shows the depth and versatility of our team,” Henry noted with pride. “We have to commend ourselves because we hadn’t played since the World Cup, and then we came up against teams who had the advantage of consistent match practice.
“It is impressive that we were able to execute at such a high level, and it shows that our programme is working.”
The Sunshine Girls’ ability to remain competitive and dominant, even after extended breaks, underscores the strength of their training system and the resilience of the squad.
More elite competition needed
As Jamaica continues to assert its position among netball’s powerhouses, Henry is focused on ensuring that her players remain active at the highest level.
“One of our main goals is to secure regular games against top-tier competition,” she emphasized. “It’s crucial for our players to stay sharp and consistently compete against the best.”
Regular exposure to high-caliber matches, Henry believes, will help the Sunshine Girls refine their tactics, sharpen their execution, and develop greater consistency—all essential elements if they are to close the gap on world leaders Australia and New Zealand.
For now, the Sunshine Girls can bask in the glow of their recent triumphs, but their journey to the summit of world netball is far from over. The foundation is strong, but according to Henry, the work has only just begun.
