Since welcoming her second child, Joshua, in April, Jhaniele has been steadily working towards her return. Back in the Fever pre-season environment, she is preparing for a comeback with the Jamaican Sunshine Girls.
“My off-season has been really good, since having Joshua, I've just been building to where I am now,” she said.
While she was away from the court, Jhaniele cheered on the Sunshine Girls, the team she co-captains, as they won a Silver Medal at the Commonwealth Games.
“I had so much faith in them getting the job done and they did just that, I wanted them to go one better and get that gold medal, but we will settle for silver.
“I almost threw Joshua when I was celebrating because I was so excited.”
Now it is her turn to join them. Jhaniele has been selected in the Sunshine Girls squad for the Vitality Horizon Series against the English Roses, making her first return to the court an opportunity to represent her country.
Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, 2023 Vitality Netball International Series
“I’m really eager to get back on the court. I haven’t played in a while, especially with my Sunshine Girls so I'm excited to get out there and represent my country,” Jhaniele said.
“It’s always an honour and just playing with some of the most amazing players I’ve ever played with.”
There will be familiar faces on both sides of the court. Fever teammates Kadie-Ann Dehaney and Shanice Beckford have also been named in the Jamaican squad, while Fran Williams will line up in defence for England.
“I can’t wait to play against Francesca, I love her to bits, but you know, once we get out there and are opponents you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do,” she said.
Back at Fever, Jhaniele has spent the past couple of months in and around the Club, building towards the first day of pre-season. Being able to take part from day one was a welcome reward for that work.
“I never doubted the fact that the work that I’ve been putting in over the past couple of months would have set me up for the first day, so I’m really happy that I was able to come in on the first day and do a good job,” she said.
The season ahead brings a new shooting partnership with goal attack Ameliaranne Ekenasio, alongside the welcome return of her close friend Beckford.
“I’ve always admired Meels over the years watching her play, I think she’s an amazing goal attack,” she said.
“She does her job so well and she supports her goal shooter so well.
“Having Shanny back into the mix is just so amazing. I know she is going to be a firecracker when she gets back here, no matter how long we’re not together we just gel really quickly.”
Don’t miss Jhaniele’s return to the Super Netball court this year, memberships available now.
