Henry-Wright wants improved fitness as Sunshine Girls target England series

JAMAICA Sunshine Girls Head Coach Sasher- Gaye Henry-Wright says improving fitness and conditioning will be crucial as they prepare to face England Roses in the fourmatch 2026 Horizon Series next month. The series will see matches in England, at the Copper Box Arena, London, on November 21 and 22, before returning to Jamaica for matches on December 5 and 6 at the National Indoor Sports Centre. The series is expected be Jamaica’s final major assignment before next year’s Netball World Cup, and comes on the back of a historic silver medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. “It is an opportunity to showcase the quality of Jamaica netball, celebrate our athletes, and inspire the next generation of youngsters,” Henry-Wright said during the launch of the series held at the S Hotel Kingston on Tuesday. The coach reflected proudly on the Commonwealth campaign during which Jamaica beat world champions Australia for the first time. “Coming out of our silver medal performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games we have reason to be proud of what the team has accomplished. “That’s not just an achievement, but it’s a big deal for us. It reflects the hard work, the discipline, the sacrifices that these ladies have made. We were disappointed that we did not get the gold medal but we remain proud of our achievement and we believe it is still possible,” she said. Henry-Wright said her squad is currently being assessed for the series, and admitted conditioning remains the biggest concern. “At this point in time we are now analysing our players — the availability of our players that are overseas and here locally — and one of the main things for us is to really improve on our fitness and conditioning. It’s still a struggle,” she admitted. “Every time we play, we tend to ask why the girls don’t go over that edge but, as a coach, I believe that’s one area that we’re lacking. And we have to give thanks to Jamaica College and G C Foster College for always stepping up in ensuring that we have the necessary space to work. “We talk about conditioning, but we’re still without a strength and conditioning specialist, so I hope that we will get somebody on board to just help us to push further because we can’t go any further [without assistance]. We know that. And I must say that our international players are very aware, they understand what it takes, and one of the biggest things for their victory is their strength and conditioning,” Henry- Wright explained. Tynielle Chambers-Barnett, Car-Med Group business development manager, gave her company’s commitment to the Sunshine Girls as they marks a major milestone. “October 7, 2026 marked 40 years of Cari-Med Group’s operation in Jamaica, and we’re proud to celebrate this milestone by investing in one of our nation’s greatest sporting treasures, the Sunshine Girls,” she said. “Our $20-million sponsorship commitment for the 2026-2028 season reflects our belief in these remarkable women and our commitment to helping them prepare for major international competitions, including the Horizon Series and the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney, Australia,” Chambers- Barnett added. Best Dressed Chicken Marketing Officer Ingrid Banton said her company’s investment shows confidence in the programme and the rivalry. “Best Dressed is a proud sponsor of the Sunshine Girls, demonstrated by our partnership with Netball Jamaica and our $16-million investment in the team. This investment reflects our confidence in Netball Jamaica’s commitment to developing sports and supporting the players and stakeholders who have contributed to its growth,” Banton stated. “We’re honoured to stand alongside the Horizon Series, a testament to our shared commitment to advancing netball in Jamaica and empowering our Sunshine Girls to continue representing our nation with pride. The series represents another opportunity for Sunshine Girls to challenge one of the world’s leading teams and strengthen their preparations for the 2027 netball World Cup,” she said.