Hill-Edwards On Hot Peppers Netball Return
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Destini Hill-Edwards believes the Hot Peppers netball team has made significant strides both on and off the court during their first season back in the Bermuda Netball Association Winter League.
Although the team has yet to secure a victory, Hill-Edwards insists their progress cannot be measured solely by wins.
As the team’s captain, Hill-Edwards has rediscovered her passion for the sport, having first taken up netball at Paget Primary before deciding to focus on athletics while at Sandy Secondary Middle School.
“It’s the first time Hamilton Parish [Hot Peppers] have had a netball team in my generation,” Hill-Edwards told Bernews.
“It’s been a learning experience. We’ve been getting to know each other on and off the court, knowing our strengths and weaknesses.
“There’s been a lot of trial and error, and we haven’t been successful in terms of wins, but we’ve learned a lot.”
The Hot Peppers operate under the Hamilton Parish Workmen’s Club, and with just a few weeks of preparation before their season opener, the team has faced a steep learning curve. However, Hill-Edwards remains positive about their future.
“I’m confident that if we have the numbers and commitment, we will be way more successful next season,” she said.
“I’m thinking long-term about the team. It’s important to stick to it if it’s your passion and something you enjoy.
“Eventually, you will get the results you want. We need to trust in ourselves and our ability but also be patient.”
Beyond her leadership on the court, Hill-Edwards is continuing her family’s rich tradition of sporting excellence.
Corey Hill, her father, played football for Bermuda, as did her uncle, Ricky Hill.
Her brother, Deniche Hill, is also following in their footsteps, representing the national team while developing his skills with Leicester City’s Under-21 side. All three have played for Hamilton Parish Football Club.
“My dad always told me, ‘Stick to the wicket and the runs will come’,” she said. “That’s how I feel about our netball team’s perseverance.”
Hill-Edward’s athletic talents extend beyond netball. She excelled in multiple sports as a youngster, including athletics and football, before ultimately focusing on sprinting to pursue a college scholarship.
“My dad told me to focus on one sport, which would give me the best opportunity of earning a scholarship,” said Hill-Edwards, who competed in the 100, 200, and 400 metres at Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, New Hampshire.
“I stopped playing netball for a while when I was at middle school.
“When I got to university I had to drop every other sport. I couldn’t risk injury or do anything to hinder my track.”
Now 24, Hill-Edwards is enjoying the camaraderie of being part of a team again – a welcome contrast to the individual nature of sprinting.
“However, although it’s a team effort, each person has individual positions and a job to do, so it can be individual at times,” she added.
“Netball a fast-paced sport, but quite technical. I’m really having fun this season and optimistic about the team’s future.”
- This is the fifth in a series of articles in which Bernews is highlighting the island’s netball players.
