Dehaney working to keep Under-21s focused
JAMAICA’S UNDER-21 netball team captain KadieAnn Dehaney says it is challenging being the leader of the young Sunshine Girls, but she is determined to push them forward. Dehaney, the goal keeper, played a crucial role in the team’s 43-35 victory against the England Under-21 team in the second game of the five-match series at the National Indoor Sports Centre on Tuesday night. Her inspirational leadership pushed the team to level the series at 1-1, following Jamaica’s 40-43 loss to England in the first game on Monday night.
After Jamaica’s win in Game Two, Dehaney, who is 18 years old, told The Gleaner: “It’s good being captain of the national team, however, it is a challenging task to keep my teammates focused.
“Although it is challenging, I find ways to manage it,” Dehaney, who is also a member of the senior Sunshine Girls team, pointed out.
“After the first game, the coaching staff did some tweaks and we were able to level the series in a hard-fought game. Now, we are definitely looking to win the next game and go ahead,” Dehaney commented.
With regard to her personal game, she admitted that there was room for improvement.
“Well, I need legs. Getting around the body while defending is a challenge,” she said.
FURTHER STUDIES
Dehaney is currently a lower sixth-form student at St Hugh’s High School and will be enrolling at Mico University College to continue her studies and playing netball next term.
She disclosed that the plan is for her team to participate in the World Youth Netball Championships next year in Botswana.
Tonight, Jamaica will look to move ahead in the series when they play England in Game Three at the National Indoor Sports Centre, starting at 7 p.m.
The full Jamaica Under-21 squad reads Dehaney, Titanya Backstock, Abby Gail Linton, Shimona Nelson, Carlalee Tingling, Hasana Williams, Latannia Wilson, Crystal Crawford, Mischa Creary, Susan Douglas, Tara Gay Heaven, Simone Gordon, Simone Spence, Kestina Sturridge, and Kimberly Thomas.
The coaches are Tracy Ann Griffiths and Conrad Parks.