Wiles eager to regain place among Sunshine Girls

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Sharon Wiles is very eager to make a return to the Sunshine Girls team ahead of next year's World Netball Championships, which will be held in Singapore.

Wiles, who just completed her first degree in sociology, last represented Jamaica three years ago at the last World Championships where the Sunshine Girls won the bronze in New Zealand.

The 31-year-old Wiles told The Gleaner in a recent interview that she missed playing for her country and had been working very hard to improve on her fitness and endurance.

"I just finished school in May where I was successful in obtaining my first degree, and this is the main reason that I have been away from the national team since 2007," said a smiling Wiles.

"It has been quite a while now since I have played for Jamaica and I really can't wait to get back in the national colours. but first I have to get back in shape so that I will be able to do the job that is required of me on the court," she pointed out.

Wiles, who has represented Jamaica at all levels, is currently based in Atlanta where she has been living for the past four years.

She added that despite the recent poor showing by the Sunshine Girls at the Common-wealth Games where they finished fourth, she was confident she could help to turn around the team's fortunes at the World Championships.

"I know that I can be an asset to the team, and I also know that I can help the Sunshine Girls to win a medal at next year's World Championships," she said.

"We always have some very talented players on our team, and I believe that once we can put together a good performance throughout the tournament, then I think we should be in the gold-medal game," Wiles said.

Confident of a spot

The former national representative, who plays both wing attack and wing defence, will have to compete with players like Paula Thompson, Sasher-Gaye Henry, and Kimone Tulloch for a spot on Jamaica's team. Despite this, Wiles was confident she could regain her place in the national set-up.

"I know that I can still make this Jamaica team because I am a very hard worker on the court and always listen to what the coaches tell me to do," Wiles said.

"I have been working very hard to get myself back into shape because I have also hired a personal trainer to help with my fitness level, and I have also been doing a lot of work in the gym."