Fowler Living 'Dream' In Jamaica Colours

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

SUNSHINE GIRL Jhaniele Fowler said she is relishing the opportunity of leading the nation's attack on the international netball stage.

The 23-year-old, who was the most prolific shooter for the team at the World Netball Championships (WNC) in Singapore last year, has emerged as the country's top goalshooter over the past year.

Fowler, who is rated as one of the top shooters in the world, has displaced her senior counterpart Romelda Aiken as the country's starting goalshooter. She told The Gleaner in an interview that the added responsibility will make her a better player.

"There is never any pressure on me to perform," said Fowler. "I know that I have a job to complete and so I just always go out there with the mindset to complete it," said Fowler.

"It feels great because it is something that I have been training for very hard and shooting is now a part of me, it is not just something that I do and so it just comes easy now," she said.

OUTSTANDING DISPLAY

Fowler produced an outstanding shooting display for the Sunshine Girls against England in their just concluded three-Test series, where she netted a total of 97 goals from 104 attempts.

"I dreamt of being a national player, but I never knew that it would have come to me being an excellent goalshooter and being this much recognised," Fowler said. "This is a dream come true and I am happy."

The 6'5'' Fowler, who represents Waulgrovians in the Jamaica Netball Association/Berger Paints Super League competition, added that despite losing 2-1 to their English counterparts, she was very happy with her performance.

"I went into the Test series prepared and focused and so I did what I had to do and I am pleased with my performance," Fowler said.

She added: "It wasn't a difficult series for me because I am a much more mature player and my game has been improving every time I step on to the court."

She also reasoned that the team has been gelling well and they are now looking forward to the FastNet Championships, which will be held in New Zealand in November.

"The camaraderie between Romeldo and myself is excellent and the camaraderie in the team is also very excellent," Fowler reasoned. "I am happy with my entire performance and also the team because I believe that we did our best in the series."