Connie Francis: Passionate about netball

Keisha Shakespeare-Blackmore, Staff Reporter

Whether she is a player, fielder or coach on the sidelines, Connie Francis is always quite passionate about netball. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that she is one of three sports enthusiasts who have been chosen to participate in the new advertising campaign for the National Commercial Bank (NCB) cards portfolio.

The campaign's tag line is, "Motherhood is not a spectator sport ... Go hard." NCB chose to represent mothers who embody that character trait in their passion for their pursuits, particularly competitive sports. as such, national netball coach of the Sunshine Girls, Francis, is the perfect candidate.

Many may know her as the vivacious player-turned-coach, but what they may not know is that she is a mother of two girls, Colleen Nattie, 25 years old, who just completed her master's degree in biochemistry at the University of the West Indies, and eight-year-old Charise Young. Plus, she works in the storage department, where she is instrumental in logistics and procurement with Caribbean Products, a division of the Seprod group of companies. One may also wonder how does a woman like Francis juggle being a full-time mother and coach, and maintain full-time employment. She makes it all seem easy, but her secret is effective time management.

Francis told Flair that she could not do it without the support of her work and family. She said her colleagues and employer are very supportive of her and of the team. When she has to be away on netball duties, they do everything to accommodate her.

"In addition, my family and children's father are very supportive, and I am blessed to have him as he is always there for them (children)," explained Francis.

Passion for netball

Francis said she has a deep passion for netball which began when she was a girl. She said she fell in love with the sport because of a coach, the late Lester Sanford.

"His daughter and I were good friends, and she encouraged me to be involved with it. Coming from the inner-city, it was a good positive influence and a start of something very good for me and my development," explained Francis

"Lester saw me, and encouraged me to get involved and join the Waulgrovian Sports Club. My relationship with the club has been positive, providing training, scholarships, and opportunities on the national level, and it has developed me as a person for 24 years," she continued.

To date, Francis has been with the team through thick and thin and has played in five World Netball Championships between 1986 and 2003, helping to lift Jamaica's world ranking from fifth to third during that period. Currently, under her leadership as coach, the team is ranking fourth under the ranking guidelines, but is third in the World Championship, 10 points behind England. Francis explained that her role as coach is not an easy one, and it gets very difficult at times.

"When I was a player and captain it was much easier. Now it's all about the 20 girls on the team and having good time management skills, with the added weight of the country always expecting you to produce A-class performance."

She has had many sleepless nights, but has learnt over time to maintain a balance. Many people hold the view that netball is simply going out on the field and playing a game, but much more is involved.

"I have to do research to see what is changing in the world of netball, see how I can match up against other teams, especially when you don't have all the players, because all are not always available. They have school and other things going on in their lives."

a humble attitude

In addition, sometimes you have to go to a game where not all players are on the same level. Sometimes she has a workday that exceeds 16 hours. that takes its toll over time. The job is never easy. However, Francis said over the years she has learnt to be humble, accept when things don't go as planned and, with faith in God and prayer, she always tries new things and encourages her players to do their best.

"At the end of the day, I am still in love with the sport."

Given Francis' dedication and love for the sport, it is no surprise that her two girls, who were exposed to netball from a young age, are following in mommy's footsteps. Colleen loves netball, but also has a passion for basketball. She played on the netball team while at Ardenne High School, and has had the opportunity to represent Jamaica in basketball on the Under-17 team. From she was a baby, Cherise always had a ball in her hand, and she has recently joined the Ardenne Prep School netball team.

Francis said she is very proud that her children are a great influence to our society, especially Colleen. She said her experiences as a mother have moulded her to have respect for life.

"My mother had nine of us, and we all had to share. We were encouraged from we were young that people are important, and I try to live by that same principle of kindness."

"I am a kind-hearted person. The strength of my mother has encouraged me to be the same for my two girls. In our society, you have to have a good outlook and be strong, and use the talent that God has given you."

With her dream job as coach of the Sunshine Girls, Francis feels blessed to have the opportunity. The team has had its ups and downs, but she is making use of the opportunity to learn from Technical Director Jill McIntosh, from Australia.

"I look forward to be there when we go for the gold in the World Championships this year. I am very thankful for the opportunity for the big break."