Pinkney dreams
Over the last 12 months Amanda Pinkney’s stocks have risen immensely.
The 22-year-old Sunshine Girls player has emerged as Jamaica’s best locally-based goal shooter with outstanding performances during ongoing Americas Netball World Cup Qualifiers.
Pinkney, admired for her exquisite long-range shooting, has been demonstrating those skills match after match for the Sunshine Girls, wooing spectators with her outrageous efforts.
Getting ample opportunity because a number of senior players are being rested by Head Coach Connie Francis, Pinkney says she is hoping her performances will help secure her a place in Jamaica’s squad to the 2023 Netball World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa.
Captain Jhaniele Fowler, Shimona Nelson and Romelda Aiken are among the leading candidates for the position.
“I am feeling good about my performances so far because I came into this tournament with a lot of confidence. I am on a trial now in this series and so I am definitely going for the World Cup team next year,” said Pinkney.
“It is going to be pretty hard because there are a lot of great shooters in there, but I am working hard and trying my best to get there. But if I don’t get selected, I am not stopping there because I am going to continue for the next World Cups to come,” Pinkney reasoned.
Pinkney, who made her senior debut for the Sunshine Girls against Trinidad and Tobago last year, said a major focus is to secure a professional contract overseas, as she continues to develop as a player.
“I am feeling pretty good because I have worked very hard for this and I can’t wait for that day to become the next big shooter out of Jamaica,” she said.
“I am hoping to get a contract overseas, so that I can show, not just the Caribbean, but the world that I can do great things for myself and country,” Pinkney said.
She has given a lot of credit to the Sunshine Girls’ coaching staff for her rapid rise, but she admits there is still scope for growth.
“I believe in myself that I can do it and my teammates believe in me as well, so with that has given me a lot of confidence to show that I can do it, and [can] become the best player in the world one day,” Pinkney
“I still need to work on a few things because there is always room for improvement because I am still pretty young and I am still learning the game..
“I have an excellent coach in Connie Francis and she has helped me a lot and the support from Netball Jamaica and family have been great and so I am just looking forward to bigger and better things in the future,” said the former Gaynstead High School standout.