Wilson looks forward to Aussie test
Published:Thursday | January 14, 2021 | 12:15 AMRaymond Graham/Gleaner Writer
Sunshine Girl Latanya Wilson, the latest Jamaican to be involved in the Australia Suncorp Super League tournament, is looking forward to the challenge as she prepares to leave the island tomorrow for ‘Down Under’.
The former Gaynstead High School and Mico University College first-year business management student admitted to being nervous, given the uncertainties that await, but noted that she is excited to show her worth in the top netball league in the world. She will team up with fellow Sunshine Girl Shamera Sterling at the Adelaide Thunderbirds.
“I am very excited but at the same time I am very nervous going to this faraway country. I am nervous because I will be far away from family and friends but I am also very excited knowing that this is a new chapter in my life,” said the 20 year-old.
ADJUSTING TO LIFE
Wilson believes the experience gained with the senior team will help her as she looks to settle in quickly and adjust to life in Australia.
“Since leaving Gaynstead I have been on the national senior team, and I also got a contract to play in England with the Celtic Dragon team, which was short-lived because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but I have learned so much, in terms different styles of playing, and I am banking on this to help me playing in Australia,” said Wilson, who stated that she got the Australia contract based on her play in England, where she was voted MVP in her first game.
“Also, Shamera Sterling spoke highly about me with her coach at the Adelaide Thunderbirds team, and I am happy that I will be teaming up with her on this team,” she continued.
Wilson was part of the national team which should have played against home team England in a four-Test series this month, but the matches were postponed after travel restrictions were established following the discovery of a new strain of the coronavirus in the United Kingdom.
“I was disappointed as I was looking forward to the series and getting to play a new position at centre, along with my goal defence role. I was excited and was looking forward to that new role,” Wilson said.
Wilson had some parting words for her friends and former teammates, who she encouraged to keep pushing towards their goals despite the challenges that they may face.
“Despite your challenges, never give up. Always give yourself one more chance, as sometimes there will be obstacles in your way and you feel you cannot overcome, but I did it and you can,” she added.