Fowler-Nembhard, Sterling-Humphrey to lead Sunshine Girls against England
Key Points(5)
- Netball Jamaica has named a 15-member Sunshine Girls squad for the upcoming Horizon Netball Series against England’s Vitality Roses, with experienced campaigners Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard and Shamera Sterling-Humphrey sharing the captaincy.
- The series will unfold in London and Kingston, giving the two nations another opportunity to renew a rivalry that has become increasingly competitive as both prepare for the 2027 Netball World Cup.
- Gezelle Allison, Azara Wilmot, Shanice Beckford, Latanya Wilson, Jodi-Ann Ward, Kadie-Ann Dehaney, Crystal Plummer, Nicole Dixon-Rochester, Abigale Sutherland and Brie Grierson complete the squad.
- Rhea Dixon, Kimone Shaw and Adean Thomas have been named as non-traveling reserves.
- Silver-medal success raises expectations The selection comes after an impressive year for the Sunshine Girls, who secured silver medals at both the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games.
Netball Jamaica has named a 15-member Sunshine Girls squad for the upcoming Horizon Netball Series against England’s Vitality Roses, with experienced campaigners Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard and Shamera Sterling-Humphrey sharing the captaincy.
The series will unfold in London and Kingston, giving the two nations another opportunity to renew a rivalry that has become increasingly competitive as both prepare for the 2027 Netball World Cup.
Gezelle Allison, Azara Wilmot, Shanice Beckford, Latanya Wilson, Jodi-Ann Ward, Kadie-Ann Dehaney, Crystal Plummer, Nicole Dixon-Rochester, Abigale Sutherland and Brie Grierson complete the squad. Rhea Dixon, Kimone Shaw and Adean Thomas have been named as non-traveling reserves.
Silver-medal success raises expectations
The selection comes after an impressive year for the Sunshine Girls, who secured silver medals at both the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games.
Their Commonwealth Games campaign included a thrilling 46-45 semifinal victory over world No. 1 Australia before Jamaica fell to New Zealand in the final, settling for the runner-up position.
Netball Jamaica President Karen Baugh said those performances had strengthened public interest in the team and raised expectations ahead of the England series.
“Our Sunshine Girls have given Jamaica so much to celebrate. Their silver-medal achievements and that unforgettable victory over world number one Australia demonstrated their courage, quality and determination. Fowler-Nembhard and Sterling-Humphrey bring tremendous experience and leadership as co-captains and we look forward to seeing the team build on these achievements against England.
“We also want Jamaicans to come out and enjoy an exciting international sporting experience that celebrates our netballers, our culture and the unmistakable energy of Jamaican netball,” said Baugh.
Men's team joins London program
The London leg will also feature Jamaica’s national men’s team, the Jamaica Suns, who have been invited by England’s men’s national team, the England Thorns, to play curtain-raiser matches at the Copper Box Arena on November 21 and 22.
The developmental program will continue when the series moves to Jamaica. England’s Roses Pathway team will face Jamaica’s Development Squad in a three-match series on December 3, 5 and 6.
The December 5 and 6 fixtures will serve as curtain-raisers for the senior women's internationals at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston.
Trophy and rivalry at stake
Jamaica and England have exchanged third and fourth places in the World Netball rankings in recent years, reflecting the narrow margins separating the two teams.
The Sunshine Girls will also be seeking to reclaim the Rhone-Hornsby Trophy. Jamaica won the inaugural series in 2024, but England took possession in 2025, when only the English leg was staged because of the effects of Hurricane Melissa on the island.
With both teams looking toward the 2027 World Cup, the upcoming meetings offer another important test of their progress and a chance for Jamaica to regain the trophy on home soil.
Netball Jamaica acknowledges sponsors
Netball Jamaica recognized the support of its sponsors and partners in staging the series: Cari-Med Group (Kendel), Best Dressed Chicken, Bob and Rita Marley Foundation, Jamaica Tourist Board, Wisynco (Wata, Power Ade, Tru Shake), Budget Rentals/Stewarts Auto, Gilbert, Supreme Ventures Foundation, Main Event, S Hotel, Coconut Industry Board, JMMB, Supreme Ventures Limited, Canopy Insurance, Guardian Life, National Bakery, Legend Beer, Worthy Park Rum Mix, and the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport.
