Former national player Sasher-Gaye Henry was unveiled on Monday as the next head coach of the Sunshine Girls team by Netball Jamaica at the R Hotel in Kingston.

This announcement marks a return to familiar territory for Henry, who, in 2018, co-coached the national team alongside Marvette Anderson. The coaching duo led the team to a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Australia.

Henry, with her wealth of experience both as a player and a coach, brings a unique perspective to the team. Her previous stint with the national squad showcased her ability to inspire and lead athletes to success on the international stage. The bronze medal triumph at the Commonwealth Games was a testament to the coaching prowess of Henry, and it remains a cherished moment in the team’s history.

Simone Forbes, first vice president of Netball Jamaica, expressed her organisation’s delight in having Henry on board as the new head coach of the national senior team.

“Our bold aim is to win the 2027 World Cup,” said Forbes. “We know this is a very achievable goal with the right team behind the team. Our strategic plans encompass the holistic development of the sport and our national teams, and the appointment of the next head coach is an important milestone to announce our new direction,” she added.

Henry, 44, expressed her happiness at being back in the national setup and looks forward to achieving great things with the Sunshine Girls in the future.

“I am very happy to be back, and I am looking forward to working with everyone to achieve our objectives, which is to become the number one netball team in the world,” said Henry.

Henry, along with former Sunshine Girls assistant coach Annett Daley, was shortlisted for the position, which became vacant after Connie Francis decided not to renew her contract with the organisation following Jamaica’s bronze medal finish at the Netball World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa, in August 2023.