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• Maureen Brown embraces first major assignment as Sunshine Girls manager; says Fast5 World Series to expose emerging talents

  Maureen Brown is preparing for her biggest role yet in the realm of netball, as she steps into her first major assignment as team manager for Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls at the upcoming Fast5 Netball World Series in New Zealand.

  Despite managing a relatively inexperienced squad on a high-profile stage, Brown, exuding confidence, stands ready to take on the challenge, with a clear objective—ensure everything off the court runs seamlessly so her players can perform at their best on the court at the November 9-10 tournament.

  In fact, Brown views this debut managerial role as more than just a professional milestone. For her, it’s an opportunity to contribute to a sport that she has long been passionate about.

  “This is a big deal for me. I knew that based on my performance and the responses of players from various elite teams, this opportunity might have been a possibility. I have been around Netball for years, and I pride myself on not just working with people but to serve as a mentor to them. So it's an honour to be in this role, and I believe my experience and background in the sport will go a long way in terms of how I handle things on this assignment,” Brown told SportsMax.Tv.

  “But the most important thing for me is to help keep the players happy and motivated. I am always a people person, so it is a perfect fit for me to bring my people skills into the programme and provide that extra bit of help and encouragement when needed. As you know, each player has a different personality, so the approach has to be different should it be a case where they didn’t have a good game or things like that,” she added.

  While her journey to this position has been filled with learning curves and evolving responsibilities, Brown, who also manages reigning Elite League champions Manchester Spurs, sees the Fast5 opportunity as a prime chance to gain experience about managing a team on the global stage as she continues to hone in skills in the position.

  “It's a learning process for me in terms of how to prepare a team for international games. Along with the help of others, I also read up on the things I need to do and how to approach them. My work ethic is unquestionable, so I’m focused on making sure the girls have everything they need so they can go out there and just play their hearts out,” Brown shared.

  Brown’s pragmatic yet optimistic approach is rooted in her belief that effective management is about creating an environment where athletes can focus solely on their performance. From logistics and team morale to addressing individual concerns, her role encompasses a range of responsibilities designed to provide the necessary support to the youthful Sunshine has been assembled Girls unit.

  

  Maureen Brown (left) shares a photo opportunity with her Manchester Spurs team.

  Like Brown, numerous players in the Fast5 team, which departs Jamaica on November 1, will be making a national debut, as the more senior and experienced players are focused on a four-match Test series against England Roses, also set for November.

  “Once we hit New Zealand, my job is to handle the details so the players can handle the game. It’s not just about the physical preparation but making sure they’re mentally and emotionally in a good place,” Brown explained.

  “The love and respect that I get from all the players, even from the more senior players in the Test series squad, serve as added motivation for me. Sometimes when they call at night, I just provide a listening ear and feedback, so the fact that they look up to me in such a way makes my job easier,” she noted.

  Though the fast-paced action and intense competition will prove daunting, Brown is confident that her team, despite their relative inexperience, has the potential to surprise the competition.

  She believes the tournament provides an excellent platform for the younger players to gain international experience and to showcase their talents.

  “Because many netball enthusiasts would not have seen the other talents we have in Jamaica, we decided to give these players the opportunity to showcase their skills, and we are confident that they can deliver under pressure.

  “They are working extra hard on sharpening their skills, and I know once they get those nerves out the way, they will shine. So, I genuinely fancy our chances based on the growth and confidence that I see in our players every day. I know they’re ready to give it their all,” Brown declared.

  That said, Brown, an employee at Jamaica Observer, pointed out that her commitment to the Sunshine Girls and, by extension, to netball goes beyond this tournament.

  As someone who has witnessed the highs and lows of Jamaican netball, she’s determined to make a meaningful impact, not just as a manager, but as an advocate for the sport’s growth at all levels.

  “I want to help build and develop the sport in Jamaica, and one way to achieve that is to share my experience and motivate others,” Brown said earnestly.

  “Jamaica has always been a force in netball, and I want to see us get to a place where we’re consistently competitive even after the more established players call time on their careers. It starts with developing our younger players, giving them the exposure they need, and ensuring we have the right infrastructure and support systems in place,” she ended.

   

• Jamaica names youthful squad for Fast5 Netball World Series in New Zealand

  Jamaica has selected a youthful squad to compete in the 2024 Fast5 Netball World Series, which will take place from November 9-10 at the Wolfbrook Arena in Christchurch, New Zealand. The team, led by a mix of emerging talent, is eager to make its mark in this high-intensity, fast-paced tournament format.

  The squad includes Tiffany Langley, Amanda Pinkney, Simone Gordon, Kimone Shaw, Cornelia Walters, Paula Ann Burton, Kestina Sturridge, Roxana McLean, Zaudie Green, and Shadene Bartley. These players will represent Jamaica in the two-day competition, where the unique Fast5 rules – such as power plays and shortened quarters – bring an added level of excitement to the game.

  The tournament format features a round-robin stage, where each team plays each other once. The top four teams will advance to the finals on the second day. The 1st-ranked team will face the 4th-placed team, while second will play third, with the winners progressing to the Grand Final. The remaining teams will contest third- and fifth-place playoffs.

  Jamaica has a proud history in the Fast5 series, finishing as runners-up in 2009, 2017, and 2018, and securing third place in 2010 and 2013. Currently ranked fourth in the world, Jamaica will be looking to improve on their past performances and push for a podium finish.

  This young team represents the next generation of Jamaican netball talent, and although relatively inexperienced, they are determined to bring their flair and skill to the competition and make their country proud on the global stage.

  As the tournament approaches, fans of Jamaican netball will be eagerly awaiting the team's performance, hoping that this new-look squad can continue the nation’s strong tradition in Fast5 netball and perhaps bring home their first-ever title in the tournament.

   

   

• Big dreams: Zaudi Green eyeing successful debut at Fast5 Netball Series; Pro contract also on her radar

  Having long aspired to represent Jamaica’s senior Sunshine Girls, Zaudi Green is on the brink of realising that long-awaited dream.

  Green’s selection to debut at the upcoming Fast5 Netball World Series, scheduled for November 9 and 10 in New Zealand as part of an inexperienced squad, marks a significant milestone in her netball journey, one that has been defined by hard work and overcoming personal setbacks.

  For Green, playing for the Sunshine Girls is a source of immense pride, as she is well aware of the legacy of excellence built by numerous players over the years. As such, she is honoured to be among the next generation of players striving to make their mark.

  “Making the Fast5 team is a very big deal for me. I'm so grateful and honoured to have been selected to represent my country. It has been a big dream of mine to represent Jamaica, and I am so happy that I am now getting the opportunity to do so,” Green told SportsMax.Tv.

  

  “It’s such a privilege to be a part of the legacy built by past and present players, and this serves as encouragement to work even harder. I’m here to learn, to improve, and to be a positive influence for the team. This opportunity is also a stepping stone for me to really push my career in netball, so I intend to go out there, showcase my talent, and represent my country,” she added.

  Ever since she took up the sport in primary school, Green nurtured the thought of making it to the world stage. Now as she gets closer to parading her skills in fast-paced, high-energy Fast5 format, Green knows that every step of the journey has prepared her for this moment. But getting to this point was anything but easy.

  Back in 2017, Green, a past student of Excelsior High and GC Foster College, suffered a severe patellar injury that threatened to derail her dreams.

  Forced to spend months away from the sport she loves, Green, who won numerous titles during her school days, was left with a choice—give up or fight back harder than ever. She chose the latter, embarking on a grueling rehabilitation process that not only healed her knee but also strengthened her resolve.

  “It was a really tough time for me,” Green recalled.

  “I remember feeling so frustrated because I wanted to be out on the court playing and improving. But looking back, that injury taught me patience and perseverance and increased my faith in God, knowing that without Him, nothing is possible. It made me realize how much I love the sport and how much I’m willing to push myself to get better,” the Manchester Spurs representative shared.

  

  “It shows that whatever I put my mind to, I can achieve it because when I got that injury, I thought that was the end of my career before it even took off. But I chose not to wallow in self-pity, instead, I saw it as an opportunity to bounce back stronger, which I did, and here I am now,” Green noted.

  That determination has shaped her approach ever since. When Green eventually returned to the court, she was more focused and determined to achieve her goals. Her performances in local competitions quickly caught the attention of national selectors, and her relentless drive paid off when she received the call-up for the Fast5 squad.

  “All the sacrifices, the pain, and the struggles were worth it. I'm really excited and happy to really go somewhere else and showcase my talent, so I'm preparing myself both mentally and physically to go hard when I get to New Zealand to ensure that I am ready and strong to give my best for the team and for my country,” she said with an air of confidence.

  The mid-court player is well aware that the Fast5 Series is not only a chance to prove herself on the international stage but also a potential gateway to a professional career.

  With scouts from the ANZ Premiership and the Suncorp Super Netball League always on the lookout for emerging talent, Green knows that a strong performance in New Zealand could open doors to an overseas contract—a coveted milestone for many aspiring netballers.

  

  “Representing Jamaica is my dream, but I also want to go further and compete at the highest levels, like the ANZ and Suncorp Leagues. Those competitions have some of the best players in the world, and to be part of that would be incredible. I want to show that I belong on that stage and hopefully earn an opportunity to play professionally,” she admitted.

  For now, though, Green is keeping her focus on the task at hand, which is to help the Sunshine Girls put in a strong performance in New Zealand. She knows that her debut will be a learning experience and, as such, is eager to soak up every moment on and off the court.

  “I’m just trying to take everything in, learn as much as I can, and play my role for the team. The Fast5 format is intense and requires quick thinking and adaptability, but I’m ready to give it my all. I just want to do my best and make my family, my coaches, and my country proud,” Green stated.

  “I really think we have a great chance of making it to the finals once we continue to have faith in each other, work hard, hold each other accountable, and, more importantly, have fun; we should give a good account of ourselves,” she ended.

  Squad: Shadine Bartley, Paula-Ann Burton, Simone Gordon, Zaudi Green, Tiffany Langley, Roxanna McLean, Amanda Pinkney, Kimone Shaw, Kestina Sturridge, Corneilia Walters