Staff Seeks More Commitments For Sr Women’s National Team

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GUYANA – Senior men’s national basketball team preparing to take the court tomorrow, the spotlight is also shining on the recent resurgence of the women’s program, which returned home from Guyana two weeks ago with a bronze medal at the Caribbean Basketball Confederation Championships.

Assistant Coach Jaraun “Kino” Burrows and Head Coach Donnie Culmer say the women’s performance signals a promising trajectory for the program. Led by standout play from Lashann Higgs and Valerie Nesbitt, the team battled its way onto the podium, but coaches acknowledge that long-term success will require expanding the national talent pool.

Funding, too, remains a major hurdle. Culmer noted that even with strong athletes and coaching, financial constraints often determine whether teams can compete at all. That’s why support from the corporate community is crucial.

This week, the IL Cares Foundation donated $15,000 to the Bahamas Basketball Federation to strengthen both the men’s and women’s national programs. Federation leaders say the contribution will directly support travel, training, and development as teams work toward major international competitions.

The senior men now shift their focus to Toronto, where they will complete the first home-and-away series in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Qualifiers. The matchup is an important early test as the Bahamas looks to build consistency and depth across its basketball programs.

Away from the hardwood, national discus record holder Serena Brown continues her comeback journey. Still months out from her official return to competition, Brown is embracing the process of rebuilding, physically and mentally. She has spoken candidly about the challenges of stepping away from the sport and the inspiration behind her renewed pursuit of Olympic qualification.

As the nation’s athletes push through their respective seasons, momentum appears to be building across multiple disciplines,  fueled by talent, community support, and a shared determination to elevate Bahamian sports on the global stage.