Netball Jamaica has announced the 15-member squad that will represent Jamaica at the highly anticipated 2023 Vitality Netball World Cup in South Africa.
Ranked fourth globally by World Netball, Jamaica’s senior netball team secured automatic qualification for the tournament, solidifying its reputation as one of the world’s top netball nations.
This year’s World Cup team is shaping up to be the strongest yet, as it introduces a historic milestone for Jamaica with the inclusion of three coaches. Head Coach Connie Francis, Assistant Coach Keyan Murdock, and Specialist Coach Rob Wright will spearhead the team’s strategic preparations, bringing their wealth of knowledge and expertise to enhance the players’ performance on the international stage.
With the final scheduled to take place on August 6th, which coincides with Jamaica’s Independence Day, the Vitality Netball World Cup 2023 holds special significance for the nation. The team aims to honor their country by displaying exceptional skill, tenacity, and unwavering team spirit throughout the tournament.
The selected squad comprises a formidable mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars who have proven their mettle on previous occasions. Ten players from the last World Cup have been retained, ensuring a solid foundation of experience within the team. This blend of talent and familiarity is poised to deliver exceptional results and sets the stage for a successful campaign.
The 15 players led by the world’s number one shooter, Jhaniele Fowler, who will proudly represent Jamaica at the 2023 Vitality Netball World Cup are:
Shooters
Romelda Aiken-George
Shanice Beckford
Jhaniele Fowler
Shimona Nelson
Rebecca Robinson
Centre Court
Nicole Dixon-Rochester
Crystal Plummer
Abigale Sutherland
Adean Thomas
Khadijah Williams
Defenders
Kadie-Ann Dehaney
Kimone Shaw
Shamera Sterling
Jodi-Ann Ward
Latanya Wilson
The team will depart for their final training camp in South Africa on July 14th, with their first World Cup game scheduled for July 28th.
To support the team’s journey to the World Cup, Netball Jamaica is grateful for the contributions of various sponsors who have generously pledged their support. To date, approximately JMD$41 million has been secured, marking a significant step towards the JMD$51 million required to fund the team’s participation.
The Jamaican government, through the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport and the SDF has played a crucial role in supporting the team’s preparations, committing JMD$20 million to cover expenses such as accommodation, ground transportation, luggage, and airport transfers for the Sunshine Girls.
Lead sponsor Beryllium Limited, along with main sponsors the National Baking Company, Wray and Nephew, and Seprod Limited, have made substantial contributions to the National Program, demonstrating their commitment to Jamaica’s netball program and the team’s success.
Additional sponsorship has been provided by Gilbert, who continues to provide kit and ball support, Budget Car Rental provides local ground transportation, while Wisynco serves as the hydration sponsor. New Horizon Pharmacy also continues to support the team with medical supplies. The sponsorship of the Elite League by Marathon Insurance Brokers has also played a pivotal role in the team’s preparation for the World Cup.
Netball Jamaica President Tricia Robinson expressed sincere gratitude to all sponsors for their invaluable contributions, emphasizing the critical role they play in helping Jamaica’s netball team prepare for the World Cup: “The support of our sponsors enables the team to focus on achieving greatness and represents our collective effort to elevate the sport to its rightful status with an elite world ranked team within the Nation’s sporting greats,” Robinson said.
Coach Connie Francis reiterated that it was an exciting time for Netball Jamaica: “All the players have been doing their work and are presenting well’ she said. “The strength in depth of quality of players we now have at our disposal, fighting to get on court for the Sunshine Girls makes the selectors job very challenging and makes Jamaica a big threat to the top three countries going into the World Cup this summer. We have seven ladies currently playing in the Suncorp League and dominating the statistics at both ends of the court and locally we have our attacking core which includes three players who are making their third World Cup appearance.”
Assistant Coach Keyan Murdock added: “We last medaled at the World Cup in 2007 and at that time Connie Francis was the Head Coach. Fast forward to 2023 and she is back as our Head Coach with the support of myself and Specialist coach Rob Wright, so we are going into the tournament not only with experienced players but also with an experienced coach who knows what it takes to medal both as a player and a coach”.
A team of 12 plus 3 reserves will be named from the 15-member squad by June 14. Follow the Jamaican netball team’s journey as they compete in the 2023 Vitality Netball World Cup by engaging with us on our social media channels.
Netball Jamaica and the entire nation eagerly anticipate a thrilling and successful campaign in South Africa from the talented athletes at the Vitality Netball World Cup 2023.
