Jamaican netball sensation Shamera Sterling has added one other illustrious chapter to the legacy of Jamaican gamers excelling within the Suncorp Tremendous Netball league, as she claimed this 12 months’s coveted Participant of the 12 months award, solidifying her standing within the sport’s historical past.
Sterling, a formidable defender, secured the highest honors at Netball Australia’s Award ceremony, changing into solely the second Jamaican participant within the historical past of the event to earn the distinguished Participant of the 12 months accolade. Her achievement continues a outstanding streak for Jamaican gamers, with ace shooter Jhaniele Fowler having clinched the award for the earlier 5 consecutive years from 2018 to 2022. Sterling’s triumph extends the Jamaican dominance to 6 consecutive years.
The 27-year-old Sterling has been a standout participant for the Adelaide Thunderbirds since her debut in 2019, rapidly endearing herself to followers along with her spectacular performances. In her fifth season within the league, the Sunshine Lady standout performed a pivotal position in guiding the Thunderbirds to their first premiership in a decade. Within the epic grand closing towards the NSW Swifts, Sterling’s contributions had been instrumental, as she secured seven essential positive factors, three intercepts, and three rebounds.
Acknowledged because the league’s prime goalkeeper
Within the 2023 season, Sterling demonstrated her defensive prowess by main the league with a powerful 118 deflections, a outstanding 15 greater than the second-ranked participant. Moreover, she topped the league with 46 interceptions, additional underscoring her declare as one of many world’s finest netball gamers.
Sterling’s distinctive efficiency additionally earned her a spot within the Suncorp Tremendous Netball Group of the 12 months, the place she was acknowledged because the league’s prime goalkeeper. She was joined within the Group of the 12 months by her compatriot Latanya Wilson, who excels within the wing-defense place, forming a dynamic duo within the Adelaide Thunderbirds’ protection. Moreover, Jodi-Ann Ward, one other gifted defender, acquired recognition for her excellent contributions to the Collingwood Magpies.
The Jamaican trio’s presence within the Group of the 12 months exemplifies their constant excellence within the Suncorp Tremendous Netball league and highlights the rising impression of Jamaican netball expertise on the worldwide stage. Sterling’s historic achievement as Participant of the 12 months serves as a testomony to her outstanding ability and dedication to the game.
