Netball Jamaica (NJ) is set to begin the search for a new assistant coach for the Sunshine Girls following the sudden resignation of Shawn Murdock from the position. Murdock, who served in the role for just over a year, tendered his resignation to the NJ hierarchy at the end of last month.

Simone Forbes, first vice-president of NJ, confirmed that Murdock’s resignation had been received and announced that the position would soon be advertised.

“The position will be advertised, and we respect his decision. If he feels it is time to resign, then he has that right,” Forbes stated.

Murdock explained that he chose to step down from the position due to personal differences with one of NJ’s directors, as well as for family reasons.

“I had an unfortunate incident with one of the directors, and I felt it was best for me personally to remove myself from the situation,” Murdock said.

“I provided them with two weeks’ notice, and since submitting my resignation, the head coach [Sasher-Gaye Henry] and nearly all the directors have asked me to reconsider,” he added.

During Murdock’s time with the Sunshine Girls, he contributed to the team’s success, including securing a bronze medal at the Netball World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa, last year, under then Head Coach Connie Francis.

Murdock said that the nature of the incident with the director would have hindered his ability to perform effectively in the position.

“I am a high-achiever kind of a person and for me to do that, I need to be in a space where I feel comfortable and so I felt that, as of now, I just need to step away from the position and focus on my family some more,” Murdock asserted.

“My father recently suffered a stroke and a heart attack, and caring for him is my top priority. I need some time off to attend to these matters, and I felt it was best to take a break,” he added.