Regional netball competition is gearing up for another exciting edition, as the Antigua and Barbuda Netball Association has finalized and announced its roster of athletes set to represent the dual-island nation at the 10th annual Battle of the Isles Tournament. The prestigious regional competition will run from October 28 through November 1, hosted this year on the island of St. Maarten, drawing competitive squads from across the Caribbean to compete for the top title.
After weeks of trials and selection evaluations, association officials have confirmed a 13-member senior national squad that will carry Antigua and Barbuda’s hopes in the tournament. The selected athletes are Tanya Green, Charmaine Weatherill, Erverdine Parker-Barnarde, Shozuan George, Kizzy Hughes, Xandea Hobson, Anayjah Anthony, Shi-anna Payne, Juvan Richards, Joy Shaw, Jonelly Encarnacion, Tashana Bloomfield and Krizia Duncan, all chosen for their recent form and demonstrated skill on the domestic netball circuit.
Leading the team’s campaign will be head coach Jamila Fitz, who will oversee all strategic preparations and in-tournament decision making. Fitz will not be alone on the coaching staff, as Akiel Hazelwood has been tapped to serve as assistant coach, supporting game planning and player development ahead of the competition. Rounding out the official delegation, Sanchez Martin has been appointed team manager to handle all administrative and logistics requirements for the squad, while Durand Meade will take on the role of primary care provider, responsible for the physical health and wellness of the athletes throughout the tournament.
In an official statement accompanying the squad announcement, the Antigua and Barbuda Netball Association issued a public call for widespread community support for the national side, affectionately known across the region as the Benna Girls. As the team enters the final phase of preparation ahead of their departure for St. Maarten, association leaders emphasized that public encouragement and backing play a critical role in boosting team morale as they compete against other top regional netball programs.