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Sterling targets MVP title Down Under

Published:Thursday | December 31, 2020 | 12:15 AMRobert Bailey/Gleaner Writer
Jamaica goal keeper Shamera Sterling (second right) goes high to defend ahead of Scotland goal shooter Emma Barrie (left), while Jamaica’s Adean Thomas (second left) and Scotland’s Lynsey Gallagher  look on during their Vitaly Netball World Cup Group G
Jamaica goal keeper Shamera Sterling (second right) goes high to defend ahead of Scotland goal shooter Emma Barrie (left), while Jamaica’s Adean Thomas (second left) and Scotland’s Lynsey Gallagher look on during their Vitaly Netball World Cup Group G game at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England, on July 17, 2019.
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Having twice been named in the Australian Suncorp Netball Super League Team of theYear in as many seasons, national senior team defender Shamera Sterling has now set her sights on winning the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award next season.

Sterling, who represented the Adelaide Thunderbirds in the league, was among 15 players that were shortlisted for this year’s MVP award.

However, in the end, the award was won by Sterling’s national teammate and goal shooter Jhaniele Fowler. In fact, it was Fowler’s third consecutive MVP title in the league.

Sterling told The Gleaner that she has worked hard in the league over the past two seasons and that her dream is to lift the MVP trophy one day.

“Every netball player is looking forward to winning something every year, like the MVP award, and so I know that I am not the only person looking for this, but other persons are as well,” said Sterling.

“I don’t really think about this, but if it comes, then I will take it,” she said. “Based on my performance and my plans for next season, I think that I should be in the running for the award.”

DEFENSIVE STERLING

Sterling, 25, who plays goal keeper, is rated as one of the best defenders in the world.

She was very dominant in the Suncorp Netball Super League defensive circle this year, ending the season with a league-leading 68 interceptions.

Sterling, a native of St James, underscored that she is looking forward to a much better season next year, noting that her game has improved significantly over the past two seasons.

“I was named in the Team of the Year last year and this year, and so that is a plus for me in my career; and so I am grateful for that because it has shown my growth and development over the years,” she said.

“I am looking forward to next season, and I am expecting great things from myself because my game has improved a lot in terms of how I read the game and my interceptions,” Sterling added.

The lanky defender, was recently named vice-captain of the Sunshine Girls team for their four-Test series against hosts England next month.

robert.bailey@gleanerjm.com