‘Fitter’ Sunshine Girls ready for Commonwealth – Fowler

SUNSHINE GIRLS’ captain Jhaniele Fowler said her team is physically and mentally prepared to challenge for a top-two spot at this month’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.

Fowler, along with the Sunshine Girls unit are scheduled to depart the island this afternoon for the championship.

Netball Jamaica has assembled a very strong 12-member squad for the tournament, which includes six players who competed in the Suncorp Super Netball League in Australia.

Along with Fowler, who led the West Coast Fever to this year’s Suncorp title, the other overseas-based players are Shamera Sterling, Shimona Nelson, Latanya Wilson, Kadie-Ann Dehaney and Jodi-Ann Ward.

The other members of the squad are, Shanice Beckford, Adean Thomas, Shadian Hemmings, Nicole Dixon-Rochester, Rebeckah Robinson and Khadijah Williams.

A DISAPPOINTING FIFTH PLACE

The Jamaicans won the bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games four years ago. However, they finished a disappointing fifth at the 2019 Netball World Cup in Liverpool, England.

Fowler said the team have been working really well in their build-up to the tournament and the players are optimistic they can challenge for one of the top spots in Birmingham.

“I am feeling positive because we have been doing a lot of work both on and off the courts to ensure that we are in the right mindset going into the Commonwealth Games,” said Fowler.

“We are doing well in training and the preparations have been going well so far and we have improved a lot and we are ready to challenge for the top spot,” she said.

“In my opinion, I think that, mentally, we are ready and I think that we understand what it takes to go out there and compete at the highest level,” Fowler said.

The 32-year-old Fowler, who is rated the best goal-shooter in the world, said the team is also more physically prepared for the tournament than on previous occasions.

“Fitness wise, I think we are very fit to go out there and play,” she said.

“I think that all 12 of us have a big part to play in this tournament. I know that pressure will be placed on us, but it is how we deal with this pressure and so we have go out there, do what we need to do, and everything else will take care of itself,” Fowler said.

A podium finish is what we are aiming for and playing in the final what we are aiming for at the moment,” she said.