Holmwood’s Swaby shines bright

December 22, 2023
Holmwood Technical High’s Jaden Swaby (left) collects a pass while being pressured by St Catherine High’s Asharie Thomas during the ISSA Rural Senior All Island final at the National Indoor Sports Centre recently. Holmwood won 45-42 to lift the title.
Holmwood Technical High’s Jaden Swaby (left) collects a pass while being pressured by St Catherine High’s Asharie Thomas during the ISSA Rural Senior All Island final at the National Indoor Sports Centre recently. Holmwood won 45-42 to lift the title.

Rural Senior champions Holmwood Technical High School's Jaden Swaby put on a master class in the final of the All Island netball competition, as she made the difference in their 45-42 victory over Urban Senior winners St Catherine High.

Swaby's contribution was brilliant in the epic battle, as Holmwood had to stave off a strong challenge from a determined St Catherine, as the goal attack was on target with passing and shooting and was unstoppable inside the goal arc, where she sank 33 goals from 35 attempts.

The fans inside the National Indoor Sports Centre were kept on their feet for the entire game. The Carline Graham-Powell-coached Holmwood and the Phyllis Thompson-conditioned St Catherine duked it out like two heavyweight boxers going toe-to-toe. Holmwood were going for their 11th title and St Catherine their first.

Swaby, a national under-21 development squad member, was named MVP for the final and was happy with her performance.

"I am very pleased with my performance as I was determined to give my best and ensure that my team won the title, as it was my last year playing and did not want to leave on a losing note," said the soft-spoken Swaby.

"Getting this award meant a lot to me, as it showed that my contribution made a big difference in us winning the game; and I am proud that I was able to help my team win another All Island title," she shared.

Quizzed about being nervous because of the closeness of the game, she said: "No, I was not nervous at any time, as I had confidence in my teammates and knew that no matter what, we would have pulled off the win."

According to Swaby, the hard work throughout the preparation period helped their success.

"Our preparation for the competition, especially at our training camp, was intense, especially where we did a lot of running, but we had fun. It worked well for us in the end, as the final came down to the fitter team, and we had the legs to take us through," she continued.

Now that she is finished playing for her school, she harbours ambitions of playing for the Sunshine Girls.

"I am looking forward to playing for the senior team, especially in goal attack, as I think I have the range to shoot well from anywhere inside the arc. I also have confidence in my passing ability," said Swaby, who hopes to matriculate into G.C. Foster College of Sports and Education next year to continue fine-tuning her skills.

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