Surrounded by her teammates, Sunshine Women Captain Shamera Sterling-Humphrey (centre) lifts the Margaret Beckford Trophy with Sports activities Minister Olivia Grange after the Jamaicans accomplished a 3-0 collection win over South Africa at Nationwide Indoor Sports activities Centre on Saturday, January 25. (Photograph: Karl McLarty)
AFTER overseeing her ultimate collection answerable for Netball Jamaica, President Tricia Robinson says the Sunshine Women deserve extra help as one of many nation’s top-performing groups on a world scale.
Jamaica’s senior netballers began 2025 on a excessive, with a dominant 3-0 sweep over South Africa within the Margaret Beckford Sunshine Collection at Nationwide Indoor Sports activities Centre which ended final Saturday.
It was consecutive collection victories for the Sasher-Gaye Henry-Wright-coached workforce as they overcame England 2-1 within the Horizon Collection in November.
Robinson says the workforce’s performances have been a testomony of their top quality.
“It was extremely pleasing to see the Sunshine Women dominate the collection towards the South Africa Proteas,” she advised the Sunday Observer.
“Their efficiency showcased not solely their talent and teamwork but additionally their willpower to take care of their standing because the primary workforce sport within the Caribbean and the Americas. Such victories enhance morale and improve help for the workforce.”
Robinson was additionally impressed with the workforce’s angle and togetherness, which she says elevate Jamaica’s standing within the sport.
“The robust togetherness displayed by the gamers and technical employees speaks volumes in regards to the model of the workforce,” she stated. “It displays a tradition of unity, belief, and collaboration — which reinforces their efficiency on the court docket.
“This cohesiveness not solely builds a optimistic picture for the workforce but additionally strengthens the help from followers and sponsors, reinforcing their standing as a premier workforce within the area.”
Robinson, who took cost of native netball’s governing physique in February 2020, won’t search re-election for the presidency on the affiliation’s annual normal assembly this month.
Throughout her four-year stint, the Sunshine Women gained silver on the 2022 Commonwealth Video games in Birmingham, England, and completed with bronze on the 2023 Netball World Cup in Cape City, South Africa. Additionally they rose from fourth to 3rd within the World Netball rankings.
Robinson says the workforce must be rallied round as they work to finish their gold medal drought at a significant championship and change into the world’s primary.
“To the supporters and neutrals, I might emphasise the significance of unity and encouragement for our Sunshine Women,” she stated. “Netball is the primary workforce sport within the Caribbean and the Americas. They’re at the moment ranked third on the planet and need to enhance that rating.
“Their dedication and onerous work deserve recognition and help from everybody. By attending video games, buying their merchandise, spreading the phrase, and fascinating with the workforce, we will foster a optimistic surroundings that motivates them to realize even higher heights.”
The Sunshine Women subsequent opponents will likely be introduced within the coming months as Henry-Wright advised the
Observer that they’re in discussions with different nations to play extra worldwide collection.
The workforce is getting ready for the 2026 Commonwealth Video games in Glasgow, Scotland, and the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney, Australia.
