Evans And Trott On CAC Games Netball Hopes
Debré Evans, the Bermuda Longtails women’s netball team captain, believes a podium finish is within her team’s reach at the Central American and Caribbean [CAC] Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
The Longtails secured their place at the regional multi-sport event after producing a series of impressive performances at the Battle of the Isles Tournament in St Eustatius and St Maarten in October last year, marking a successful return to the international stage.
Qualification also earned Bermuda a ranking of 20th in the World Netball Rankings and cemented their place among the top five teams in the Americas region.
Evans, who plays in defence and at centre, said the squad was excited to make history as the first Bermuda netball team to compete at the CAC Games.
“Hopefully, we can come away with a medal,” Evans told Bernews. “If we stay true to our game, we have a chance.
“Winning a medal will put netball in the spotlight and help us to continue to grow our sport and show we can compete on the international stage.
Debré Evans
“Hopefully, we can create more history together.”
The Longtails will face Jamaica, Barbados, the Dominican Republic and St Lucia in a round-robin format.
“Jamaica are a top four team in the world – that will be a tough one!” she said.
“Preparations have been going well. We’ve been in a technical phase – practice matches, working on different plays.
“The squad is gelling. It’s more connected than the first time around when everything felt a bit rushed as it was our first time back together.
“Everyone feels a bit more structured, focused and the dynamic feels great. We’re feeling like a team as opposed to players from our league teams.”
Evans will lead a 12-player squad, with Kianté Lightbourne serving as vice-captain.
Also selected are Asante Chapman, Brianna Ray, InShan-nae Smith, Jahkenya Trott, Jahtuere Trott, Jasmyn Miller née Renfroe, Jordyn Ming, Kaylee Lema, Keizhari Knight and Sèlah Tuzo.
Kimale Evans will serve as head coach, with Antione Williams appointed team manager.
“I’m still in shock that I have the opportunity to captain my team,” Evans added.
“It was nice to know that my team-mates and coach believe I can lead Bermuda, which I did at the qualifiers.
“We have some new faces, great additions, such as Brianna, Jordyn and Jasmyn. They have helped elevate our group.”
Jahtuere Trott
Jahtuere Trott, who is part of the team’s leadership group, echoed Evans’s optimism ahead of the tournament, which starts on Friday [July 24].
“This is something new for us – it’s exciting,” the goal attack said. “I think we will do really well.
“We’re piggybacking off our tournament in October and gelling well. We’re playing to our strengths.
“We’re going there to medal – that’s our mindset.
“The heat might be our biggest issue. We’ve been training three times a week indoors [at the Berkeley Institute], as the games will be indoors, and having gym sessions. We’re feeling ready.”
