Experienced U20 lacrosse players sport ambitious goals

EXPERIENCED UNDER-20 national players Jenille Wint and Jada Johnson have labelled Jamaica title contenders as they open their campaign at the World Lacrosse Under-20 Championship in an early morning fixture against Hong Kong today.

Wint and Johnson, two of the more experienced players in the squad, have represented Jamaica at international competitions in the past.

Wint was a member of Team Jamaica at the 2023 Pan-American Lacrosse Association (PALA) Sixes Cup, while Johnson will be making her second appearance at the World Lacrosse Championship, having already competed at the 2019 staging.

Wint, who plies her trade at Bethel University, is expected to play a leading figure in Jamaica’s defence, while Johnson will make her charge in the team’s attack.

Johnson said she has high expectations of her teammates, having seen their quality during the team’s training sessions.

“It is very important because I have high expectations and I am expecting the best from my team,” Johnson said.

“All the players in the team are well-rounded, so I don’t think they’ll need much knowledge from me.”

Johnson said the tournament is important, not just for the team, but for younger players in Jamaica, who will be watching the competition from home and supporting the team.

She said she is aiming to go all the way this time around, having finished 21st overall in 2019.

“It is really important for us. The players at the high-school championship are really watching out for us, and scholarships are being given out so everyone will be doing their best,” she said.

“The main goal and aspiration for me personally is for us to come first.”

For Wint, the goal is always to win the championship.

She said one of the team’s major strengths is the chemistry and friendship between all the players in the squad.

“I think we have great chemistry together and we know how to communicate with each other well. We are always talking on the field about things we can do and things we can improve.”

She is not bothered by Jamaica’s low ranking heading into the competition, nor is she intimidated by the reputation of Jamaica’s opponents.

“My role in the squad is a big deal because it is up to the defence to stop the opponents from getting into the 16. We’re expecting a big challenge but we’re prepared to face these opponents. We’re here to win and, as a player, I want to go out there and represent my country well.”

Jamaica will face host nation Hong Kong at 6 a.m. at the Mong Kok Stadium.