Jamaica names 12-player Sunshine Girls squad aiming for Commonwealth netball gold

Netball Jamaica has settled on a 12-woman Commonwealth Games roster that mixes established internationals with up-and-coming players, with federation president Karen Baugh saying the Sunshine Girls are well placed to push for Jamaica's first gold medal in the tournament.

The squad includes experienced figures such as Rosella Aiken-George, Shanice Beckford, Kadie Ann Duhaney, and captain Shemera Sterling-Humphrey, along with newer selections Jodi Ann Ward, Crystal Plummer, and Azara Wilmot. Latanya Wilson, Nicole Dixon Rochester, Brie Grierson, Abigail Sutherland, and Rhea Dixon complete the group.

Baugh said trimming the pool was a tough call, but the federation is satisfied the final list fits the demands of the competition.

"The selection process was quite challenging, but we feel that we have selected a very strong team. We are happy for the senior team members who are represented here as well as some new talent, and it is really what it's all about. A tournament like Commonwealth should be about exposing new talent," she said.

Jamaica took silver at the previous Commonwealth Games, and Baugh said another podium finish is the minimum expectation, with hopes of climbing to the top step for the first time.

"We are expecting the team to do well. We expect to be right up there with the top teams in the world. We got a silver medal at the last Commonwealth Games. So that's in the back if our minds – a podium finish, preferably at the very top for the first time. But we are going to be out there working hard for the team to gel and to put it all out on the court when the time comes," she added.

Sasha Gaye Henry George will coach the side, with Sterling-Humphrey wearing the captain's armband.

The Commonwealth Games netball tournament, featuring the world's top 12 national teams, runs from July 25 to August 2 in Glasgow, Scotland.

Away from the court, Kendel has been added to the corporate partners backing Jamaica's campaign. The company joins the Supremer Ventures Foundation, which recently announced a $3.5-million sponsorship to help cover costs for a training camp in Durham, England.