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Connie Francis mum on future
August 08, 2023
National netball head coach Connie Francis is not indicating whether she wants to stay on. Now she is keen on celebrating with the country their success over the last four years, after a Netball World Cup campaign where they broke a 16-year-old medal drought.
Jamaica took bronze after defeating New Zealand 52-45 in the third-place playoff, winning their first medal since 2007. The four-year cycle concludes after winning silver at the Commonwealth Games last year, their highest-ever finish. Australia took home their 12th Netball World Cup title after defeating England 61-45 in the final.
Reflecting on what was gained during the last three years, Francis shifted the praise to the players' achievement, eager to celebrate rather than contemplate her future.
"I really don't want this accomplishment to surround me. It's not about me, it's about the team. I don't know what will happen now, but I want to embrace and celebrate with our netballers, supporting cast, the entire country and the world, who are really proud of our achievements," Francis told STAR Sports.
Francis reasoned that the players' growth in the aftermath of their disappointing 2019 campaign is what she is proud of the most and that they stuck to their commitment; to get better during the process. The Sunshine Girls finished fifth four years ago.
"It is really about maturity. They came from World Cup 2019 disappointed, so we decided as a unit to work hard and dedicate ourselves to our brand of netball and bring a crowd of small achievements. We went out and played some Test matches, and we were okay. So we were climbing and enjoying what we were doing," Francis said.
That enjoyment has led to getting consecutive medals in back-to-back top tournaments. For most players, it was their first Netball World Cup medal, with Romelda Aiken-George the only one left from 2007, when they won bronze.
"It is the maturity of this team and the will to do something spectacular for our country, and the girls have accomplished that. I am so proud to be a part of the coaching staff to see what we have accomplished in the last three years and nine months," Francis said.
