Season-openers will unfold this weekend for T&T internationals Shaquanda Greene-Noel and Jameela McCarthy in the Vitality Super Netball League in England and the pair are pumped and ready to start their debut season.
The "Calypso Girls" will be on opposing teams, Greene-Noel with the Celtic Dragons and McCarthy with the Saracens Mavericks, specifically on Sunday but the defenders for their respective teams are up for their tasks and expect tough opposition either way.
Greene-Noel's team will take the court in the third match of the opening day against the Manchester Thunder in round one action at the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham on Saturday.
She said: "I'm thrilled at the thought of making my debut in the Super League. We face one of the top teams for our opening game and it's going to be a battle, but a battle we're prepared for.
"The team finished at the bottom of the table last season. We're starting afresh, new management, new coach and mostly new players. We've established a time frame and identified the things we need to do, not to end this season and any other season with that same result," Greene-Noel said.
"We are optimistic, very competitive and also the underdogs. I reckon that's a great combination to start climbing the ladder of success. Despite a few COVID-19 interruptions, we've doggedly pursued what the coach planned and I look forward to a great run out with my Dragons' family."
McCarthy, too, is anticipating a great opening weekend with the Mavericks. They open later Saturday against the Wasps.
"I am super excited to debut for the Saracens Mavericks over the weekend. It's a major accomplishment for the country, my community, my friends, my family and myself. My expectations are exactly how it's going to be challenging, highs, lows, good days bad days, but what would make the difference is learning and growing at the end of each day," said McCarthy.
"I expect nothing but greatness from myself, I've been working really hard on and off the court and I am ready to showcase my athletic ability to the world. The team has been doing very well over the past few months despite the challenges we may face with COVID and other everyday life situations. The girls and I are excited about the season opener on Saturday against Wasps and then we take on Celtic Dragons on Sunday."
Round two action will take place at the same venue and it will be an emotional meeting for both national players.
McCarthy said: "Playing against my teammate and one of my best friends Shaquanda Greene-Noel would be a very tough day, smiles, she has such great ability and love to compete despite who she's is going up against. We both are defending so we won't be physically playing against each other but I know both teams are going to bring it.
While Greene-Noel said: "Before and after the game we'll hug and cry as we usually do because we've both given up more than the public is aware of to pursue a dream. On the court, it's war! We both know we need to compete at the highest level in order for us to take netball in T&T to the upper echelons of the sporting world, starting with Commonwealth Games."
On Monday, World Netball announced that the 10th-ranked T&T will make its return to the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England after missing the previous edition back in 2018. This year's competition is set for Birmingham, England from July 28- August 8.
McCarthy learned the news from her T&T teammate.
She said: "Shaquanda was actually the first person to tag me on the post. I had just gotten out from my Monday morning session, picked up my phone and started to scream. It was my best news ever since I've been in England. This is motivation, this is another chance for our country to improve, each of us should be proud. Now it's time for us to train hard, pick the best team to represent and let's go to the Games with a winning mindset."