The Sunshine Girls, Jamaica’s national netball team, are riding high with confidence as they gear up for a busy November, which will see them competing in the Fast5 tournament and the highly anticipated Horizon Series against England.
With the team’s preparations in full swing, Netball Jamaica recently hosted a media day at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston, where past presidents, former national coaches, and players came together to witness intense practice matches between the Sunshine Girls, the Jamaica Suns (male team), and the Fast5 squad.
Sasher-Gaye Henry, in her second tenure as head coach of the Sunshine Girls, is optimistic about the team’s fitness and overall readiness. Speaking about the team’s preparation for the upcoming Horizon Series, Henry noted, “The fitness is coming along. There’s always room for improvement, but the girls are in great shape, and we’re confident they’ll meet the fitness targets needed for the series.”
Always a competitive series
The coach is eager to have the full squad back together, including captain Jhaniele Fowler-Nembard, who is expected to rejoin the team soon. As Henry works to fine-tune the team’s strategy and fitness, she remains hopeful that the squad will be well-prepared for the matches ahead.
Star player Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, who took on the unusual role of goal shooter during the practice match, expressed her confidence in the team’s prospects against England. “We have full faith in Sasher’s leadership, and we’re excited about our chances. Whenever we face the English Roses, it’s always a competitive series, but we’re focused and ready to give our best.”
Crystal Plummer, preparing for her second series with the Sunshine Girls, highlighted the camaraderie within the team. “The girls are incredibly supportive. It’s motivating to know that if I ever feel like giving up—which I won’t—I have the entire team behind me.”
Legacy of Jamaica’s netball
The media day was not only a showcase of the team’s progress but also an opportunity to celebrate the legacy of Jamaica’s netball. Several past presidents of the Jamaica Netball Association were in attendance, including Vilma McDonald, who served as president in the early 1980s. She expressed her admiration for the team’s progress and the leadership of coach Henry. “It was a wonderful idea to invite us to see what’s happening with the Sunshine Girls. Sasher is doing a fantastic job, and I wish the team the best in the Fast5 and the Horizon Series.”
The event also paid tribute to Leila Robinson-Beckford, the founder of Jamaica Netball, who was present to witness the girls in action. “It’s amazing to have Mrs. Beckford here, along with so many past presidents. It was a special moment for us all to come together in support of the Sunshine Girls.”
The Sunshine Girls will head to New Zealand for the Fast5 tournament, scheduled for November 9-10, before facing England in the Horizon Series with matches in England on November 16 and 17, and in Jamaica on November 25 and 26.
