Jamaican netball sensation Vangelee Williams has dramatically ended her five-year retirement to rejoin the national team, bringing veteran leadership to the Sunshine Girls ahead of their crucial Vitality Series clash against England. The 33-year-old defensive specialist, who previously represented Jamaica in two World Cups and two Commonwealth Games, returns to international competition with renewed passion and determination.
The upcoming series against England has been significantly altered due to Hurricane Melissa, which forced cancellation of the Jamaican leg scheduled for December 6-7 at the National Indoor Sports Centre. The competition will now consist solely of two matches at London’s Copper Box Arena on December 13-14. This marks a reversal from last year’s series, which Jamaica won 2-1 with one tied match.
Williams expressed profound satisfaction with her return, stating: ‘I feel really happy to be back. I anticipated this moment very much since I have been training. It really feels good and has made me realize that I actually missed the sport at this level.’ Despite acknowledging that her fitness requires further development, Williams emphasized steady progress since rejoining the senior squad in September.
The veteran athlete had completely mentally disengaged from elite netball after her 2020 retirement, believing her career was finished. Her perspective has transformed dramatically, with Williams now declaring: ‘I am back and I am better.’ While uncertain about participating in another World Cup, she has set her sights on competing in the next Commonwealth Games.
Head coach Sasher-Gaye Henry-Wright welcomed Williams’ return as a strategic necessity, explaining: ‘We were out of all of our defensive players. All other defensive players are younger players who have not yet played a lot at this level, so we definitely wanted to bring back some experience.’ The coaching staff monitored Williams’ performance in league matches before inviting her back to the national setup.
Williams recently participated in the team’s preparatory match against an All-Star Mixed team, where Jamaica suffered a 40-52 defeat. Addressing concerns about defensive stability, Williams remained confident: ‘I don’t think the defence is shaky. There are definitely some levels of inexperience but each girl on the defensive team is a workhorse. We provide interceptions and deflections, and we definitely give our best.’
The returning star emphasized the team’s collective hunger to perform despite missing key players Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, Latanya Wilson, and Kadie-Ann Dehany. Williams’ comeback adds crucial tournament experience and defensive prowess to a squad blending youth and experience as they prepare to face England’s netball team.