Debré Evans Proud To Lead Bermuda Team
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Debré Evans said she is proud to lead the Bermuda Longtails senior women’s national netball team at the Battle of the Isles tournament in St Eustatius and St Maarten – their first international competition in eight years.
The team will play at least eight matches from October 21 to 26 against St Eustatius, St Maarten, Canada, the British Virgin Islands, and Guadeloupe, offering the opportunity to regain a world ranking.
Bermuda’s last official ranking was 35th in 2020.
“I’m overwhelmed to have this leadership role,” Evans, a versatile defender, told Bernews. “I want to be the best I can be for my team and my country.
“I was honoured when coach [Anthony] Mouchette named me as captain – I’m full of gratitude. We’re excited and ready to showcase our talent. None of us is intimidated by the challenge.
“We want to perform well, and we want to win it.”
Photograph by Deesa Booth of 21MileFilms
Evans, who also captains Storm domestically, said her role is not just about guiding the team on the court, but also about uniting players from different clubs and backgrounds into a cohesive group.
“We’re coming from different clubs, different backgrounds, but now we’re one team – the Bermuda Longtails,” said Evans, who has previously served as the Bermuda Under-21 vice-captain.
“There’s no Storm, Village, Tigers, or Phoenix – and that’s beautiful to see.
“We’ve been training three times a week since June in preparation, plus strength and conditioning sessions at Beast Gym with trainer Muhsin Nasir.”
Kimale Evans, Debré’s mother, will travel with the team as one of the coaches.
The president of Bermuda Netball praised the executive and council for raising the $75,000 required to send the team to the tournament, which included a grant from the Department of Sport and Recreation.
Netball Bermuda drummed up funding by holding a bingo night at St George’s Cricket Club, worked the gates during the Eastern Counties Cup matches and also received sponsorship grants and money from private donors.
“Aside from paying for travel, accommodation, we’ve had to secure new uniforms and start from scratch with everything that’s required to compete at this level,” Kimale Evana said.
“Raising the money took six months and was no small feat – it was a great effort. This is the next generation of players, and we’re excited about what they can achieve.
“It’s huge for us in terms of getting Bermuda netball back on the map and fostering a level of camaraderie.
“This is just the beginning. Hopefully, the country can get behind us.”
Team
Debré Evans [captain], Kianté Lightbourne [vice-captain], Zakiyah Durham, InShan-nae Smith, Khianda Pearman-Watson, Keizhari Knight, Jahkenya Trott, Demiqua Daniels, Sèlah Tuzo, Jahtuere Trott, Terita Bean, Kaylee Lema, and Zariah Amory.
Coaches
Kimale Evans, Anthony Mouchette Managers: Antione Williams, Tanika White
