Sterling, who lined-up for Loughborough Lightning in the 2018 UK Superleague, was named MVP of the league. Sterling led the intercept count with 101 intercepts from 18 games, almost doubling the player ranked second.
She was also a member of the Jamaican team that claimed the bronze medal at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, where she topped the competition’s intercept count.
Sterling, 22, expressed her enthusiasm about the move to Adelaide and the opportunity it presents.
“I’m really excited about joining the Thunderbirds and having an impact in defence to improve the results,” she said. “I see that the club has a lot of potential and I want to contribute to and be part of the growth.”
Sterling is confident her game will step up to a new level when playing in the SSN league.
“What excites me is that I get to play against big-name shooters like Jhaniele Fowler, Romelda Aiken and Caitlin Bassett – playing against these shooters will improve my game. I’m also willing to work hard and know I can only get better.”
A key mentor for Sterling is former Jamaican Head Coach Oberon Pitterson-Nattie.
“Oberon has had a great impact on my netball career and how I defend, because she taught me how to read the game properly. She always encouraged me to give everything I had when at training and playing,” Sterling said.
“At the Thunderbirds I’m excited to be coached by Tania Obst and experience her style of coaching. I am ready to play the role she needs me to for the team.”
General Manager – Adelaide Thunderbirds and Elite Pathways, Melody Cooper said “Shamera’s tenacity, athleticism, her unique ability to intercept the ball and disrupt the goal shooter, and her footwork caught my eye throughout the Commonwealth Games and Superleague season.”
“She has shown that she can perform on the world stage against the world’s best shooters. We are thrilled to see Shamera join our club and reinforce our defence.
“At 22 years of age, we are also excited to support and be a part of Shamera’s development both as a netballer and young woman away from the netball court.”
Cooper said Sterling’s signing was in line with the Adelaide Thunderbirds’ core plan for long-term sustainable success with a playing roster featuring key international and interstate players, together with a focus on SA talent.
Sterling is the first player announced for the Adelaide Thunderbirds 2019 playing roster. As per Netball Australia’s recruitment guidelines the Adelaide Thunderbirds 2019 list will be finalised by late September, with recruitment announcements being made in due course.
Sterling is currently in Jamaica and the Adelaide Thunderbirds will alert media as to when she is available for interview in the coming months.
Shamera Sterling
Age: 22 (date of birth – 21/10/1995)
Height: 185cm
Positions: GK, GD
Previous clubs:
2018 Netball Superleague, Loughborough Lightning
University of the West Indies (UWI) Pelicans
Waulgrovians (Jamaica)
Achievements:
2018 Commonwealth Games Bronze Medallist
2018 Vitality Netball Superleague
• Vitality Player for the Season (awarded to the best player of the 2018 season as determined by title partner, Vitality)
• Players’ Player for the Season (voted for by all athletes within the VNSL)
• All Star VII (named GK for the 2018 All Star VII team)
