Coach Henry targets gold for Girls

Sunshine Girls coach Sasher-Gaye Henry is convinced that Jamaica can go all the way and win an international championship, but admits it will take more than talk to get to that stage.

During her first stint as coach, Henry was no stranger to international success, as with former co-coach Marvette Anderson, they led the Sunshine Girls to a bronze medal in the Commonwealth Games in 2018 and a silver in the Fast5 Series in Australia in 2017.

She stepped away in 2018 and has returned, and states that she is committed to the job this time, while determined to improve on the work done by former Sunshine Girls coach Connie Francis and reach the pinnacle of the netball world.

"It's going to take a lot of hard work, consistency, on-court and off-court work to really achieve this and play to the best.

"Definitely, for the period, I would like to see some improvements [and] build on what the ladies have done so far. They did a tremendous job, so I am very optimistic. I believe in these ladies. I know they can improve on what we are doing right now," Henry said.

Under the leadership of the decorated Francis, the Sunshine Girls won a silver medal in the Commonwealth Games to secure Jamaica's highest finish in international games. They would also win a bronze medal in the Netball World Cup.

RECOMMITTED

Meanwhile, being recommitted and refocused, Henry, a former national player, said she would do her best to get Jamaica up the world ranking, and stated that she stepped away for personal reasons.

"I am just revering, ready to go and excited to return with the ladies.

"For me, I had two issues. For example, I know that my relationship with my family is better now, and I'm able to move around freely; and the fact that I am a former player and coach, and a teacher, I believe I still can offer much guidance to the team through my experience," she said.

She expects challenges but is willing to work through it all.

"I did some reflection, and I just know that I am fully committed wholeheartedly to the programme," she said.

Henry said getting the Sunshine Girls to outperform their achievements will take team effort, and she is looking forward to all of that, and more.

Henry was awarded the job after being shortlisted with former Sunshine Girls assistant coach Annett Daley.