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Jamaica National Netball Team
The Sunshine Girls
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By Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer
We may be known for our vibrant culture, warm beaches, and reggae music, but Jamaica is also home to one of the most formidable netball teams in the world: the Sunshine Girls. With their exceptional skills, unwavering determination, and infectious enthusiasm, the Jamaican national netball team has established itself as a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
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Based on recent history and world rankings, netball is not just the top team sport in Jamaica but also the top sport for women. The majority of the country's schools take part. While netball has full media coverage on television, radio, and in newspapers, it does not garner as much attention as team sports like football and cricket, which are less popular.
The Sunshine Girls' history in international netball dates back to around 1959. Since their inception, they have consistently showcased their talent and determination, gradually climbing the ranks to become a formidable opponent.
The Sunshine Girls have competed in every INF Netball World Cup since their first match on the international stage in 1959, never placing worse than sixth. In the 1991, 2003, and 2007 World Championships, Jamaica finished third. They have taken part in all six Commonwealth Games netball competitions so far, and in 2002, in Manchester, in 2014, in Glasgow, Scotland, and in 2018, in Gold Coast, Australia, they each won a bronze medal.
Members of the team and their positions played:
- Sasher-Gaye Henry- Wing Attack, Wing Defence
- Nichole Dixon- Wing Attack, Centre
- Khadijah Williams- Wing Attack, Centre
- Paula Thompson- Centre, Wing Defence
- Stacian Facey- Goal Keeper, Goal Defence
- Vangelee Williams- Wing Defence, Goal Defence
- Nicole Aiken-Pinnock- Goal Keeper, Goal Defence
- Kadie-Ann Dehaney- Goal Keeper, Goal Shooter
- Malysha Kelly- Goal Defence, Goal Keeper
- Thristina Harwood- Goal Attack, Goal Shoot
- Shanice Beckford- Goal Attack, Goal Shoot
- Jhaniele Fowler-Reid- Captain, Goal Shoot
- Annakay Griffiths- Goal Attack, Goal Shoot
- Romelda Aiken- Goal Shoot
- Shantal Slater- Goal Shooter, Goal Attack
Leadership History
Up until the end of 2013, midcourt veteran Nadine Bryan served as captain for Jamaica, which was coached by former representative Oberon Pitterson. But at the beginning of 2014, a Technical Director (Jill McIntosh) and a new coach (Minneth Reynolds) were chosen. Jamaica is ranked fourth in the INF World Rankings as of July 1, 2020. The Jamaican Fast 5 netball team is referred to as Jamaica Fast5 or the FAST5 Girls, while the senior Jamaican netball team is frequently referred to as the Sunshine Girls.
At the 2011 World Netball Championships in Singapore, Pitterson was named the Sunshine Girls' new head coach. Some of the more seasoned members of the team made the decision to take a sabbatical from the national team after failing to medal in 2011, and Althea Byfield made the decision to retire, as they had become weary of troubled coach Pitterson. At the 2013 Fast5 competition, Malysha Kelly and Romelda Aiken assumed joint leadership responsibilities. Kelly remained the team's captain throughout the first half of 2014. Before the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the 2015 Netball World Cup, Nicole Aiken-Pinnock took over as captain. Since then, the team has won bronze medals at the 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games, the latter of which was achieved by defeating two-time gold medalists New Zealand.
The Sunshine Girls have had a profound impact on the netball community in Jamaica and beyond. Their success has elevated the sport's popularity, encouraging more young girls to pursue netball as a career. The team's achievements have also sparked increased investment in netball infrastructure and development programs throughout the country, ensuring that future generations have the necessary resources and support to excel.
Moreover, the Sunshine Girls' international recognition has brought greater visibility to Jamaica as a sporting nation. They have become ambassadors for their country, showcasing its rich culture and talent on a global platform. The team's success has also forged stronger ties within the Caribbean region, fostering camaraderie and unity among netball-loving nations.
The Sunshine Girls, Jamaica's national netball team, have established themselves as a powerhouse in the world of netball. Through their exceptional skills, captivating style of play, and inspiring journey to success, they have become role models for aspiring athletes worldwide. The team's impact extends beyond the court, contributing to the growth and development of netball in Jamaica and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations as the Sunshine Girls continue to dazzle audiences and defy expectations, their presence in the international netball arena remains a testament to the indomitable spirit of Jamaican sportsmanship.
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References & Sources For Jamaica National Netball Team
- | Netball Jamaica | Sunshine Girls. (2011, January 12). | Netball Jamaica | Sunshine Girls. https://web.archive.org/web/20150708072004/https://mynetballjamaica.com/sunshine-girls-squad/
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