Meet Bermuda Netball Player Ebonie Cox
Continuing our series of profiles of netball players who are part of the team representing Bermuda at international tournaments — with the latest tournament being the International Match Series being held in New York from June 2 to 3 — we spotlight Ebonie [Burgess] Cox, a 31-year-old who plays in the Goal Attack and Wing Attack positions.
1. How does it feel to have been selected for such an elite squad?
Being selected for this squad feels great. It was a little different this time around because I wasn’t able to be a part of the Scotland selection. While I am always confident in my ability as a netballer I knew it would be harder to get back into the team once the Scotland team put together some decent results. Anytime I am called up to represent my country it is extremely exciting for me.
2. How will you prepare for the competition?
I’ve just been trying to make sure my mind and body is as ready as it can be for several games in such a short time. This isn’t my first go around so at this stage I know what I need to do as an individual to be able to give my best to the team. Making sure I stay hydrated, eating a little better and keeping the muscles loose.
3. When did you start playing netball and what prompted you to start?
I started playing netball in Primary School. Growing up netball was just a part of the PE curriculum for girls but once I got to Berkeley I started taking it more serious and it has been a part of my life ever since.
4. Do you feel the sport of netball gets enough support from the local community?
As the number one sport for women in our country I don’t feel the sport gets anywhere near the recognition it should these days. In the past netball was supported much more and we need to get back to that. Netball is growing on the world stage and hopefully Bermuda can hop on that train as well.
5. If you had to, for some reason, have one non-netball player on your team, like a local politician/entertainer/public figure, who would you choose and why?
If I had to choose a public figure I would choose Chris Crumpler. He is extremely athletic and he understands what it takes to be successful in a team environment. He is also a great example of a well-rounded person both on and off court.
6. Which Bermudian athlete, coach or sporting figure do you admire most and why?
The athlete/coach I admire would be my current club coach Erika Russell. I have known and played for her since I was 14. She has given so much time to the sport and her players both on and off of the court. She has managed to keep a group of young women from all different backgrounds together for 10 plus years. I admire her dedication to us as individuals, she is only one person but she always finds the time be there for dozens of us.
