Words: Henry Milic
Imagery: Christopher Adams/Netball SA + Getty Images
Adelaide Thunderbirds defender and Jamaican international Latanya Wilson is set to celebrate her first milestone in Super Netball as her side hosts the NSW Swifts in a Grand Final rematch on Saturday night.
Hailing from Kingston in Jamaica, Wilson first made her League debut with the Thunderbirds in 2021 after a year of playing in the Netball Super League in the United Kingdom.
In just three seasons, Wilson has become one of the world’s best defenders, making claim to a premiership and earning a selection in the 2023 Team of the Year in wing defence.
“I’m very proud to be hitting such a big milestone and looking back on my journey from starting on the bench and being a top up player to now, where I get a lot of court time,” Wilson said.
“The growth from when I first started in 2021 to now has been strong and it can only get better from here so I’m excited for what the future holds for me.”
Wilson credited her on court success to the support of her teammates and coaching staff, who have helped take her game to the next level.
“Everyone in my team has played a crucial role in terms of welcoming me and making time to give me one-on-one learnings,” Wilson said.
“Both the coaches have taken the time to help me, because when I first got here, I was a little bit reckless in terms of picking my contests.
“I felt like everyone has had a positive impact on my performance and my growth here in Australia.”
Latanya Wilson with two of her previous Thunderbirds dresses: her 2022 Heritage Dress and 2021 First Nations Dress. Image: Christopher Adams/Netball SA. Looking back on last year’s premiership season, the 23-year-old reflected on the Thunderbirds’ grand final match, a pivotal moment in her career and one she will forever be fond of.
“Words cannot express how that grand final went down but looking back at it, to say that we won by one goal, is quite impressive,” Wilson said.
“Considering we practiced a lot of extra time and now we look to play the Swifts again on Saturday so I’m looking forward to that rematch.”
Latty’s magic moments
Wilson has had several outstanding performances over her three and a half years as a Thunderbird and has reflected on some of her most memorable games in the pink dress.
2023 Round 11: Thunderbirds vs Fever
Wilson gave a standout performance in Round 11 of last year and played a crucial role in the Thunderbird’s one-point win over the West Coast Fever at home.
A game where Wilson topped the side in NNP with 74.5 and recorded 3 gains, 2 intercepts and 4 deflections.
“I felt like it was quite a good match for me because I know the wing attack’s style of play,” Wilson said.
“Coming back to play them at home was quite nice, I knew that my job was cut out for me, but I was on top of that and felt good with the first intercept I got in that game which gave me the energy to actually go it.”
Wilson recalls a crucial pass to fellow Jamaican defender, Shamera Humphrey-Sterling, who almost missed the ball due to her on-court celebrations.
“We were just celebrating in the moment but at the same time we were still able to convert and even though I needed her in that moment it was really good to see her just cheering and the rest of the team cheering as well,” Wilson said.
2023 Round 14: Thunderbirds vs Swifts
The last minor round of the 2023 season saw Wilson make the unlikely switch from wing defense to goal keeper in the power five period, a strategy that proved pivotal in the team’s one-point win against the Swifts.
Wilson finished the game with an incredible 110.5 NNP, 10 gains, 4 intercepts and 14 deflections.
The lockdown defender acknowledged that coming up against one of the world’s best shooters in Helen Housby always brought out the best in her.
“I knew Helen was a strong target so again it was just always about sticking on her and showing that we can disrupt that connection between her and her centre or the wing attack,” Wilson said.
“I feel like I got into her head at that point in time, I tried to make her think of something different which was to play physical which caused her to make a few errors and for me to get on top of her which was very good.”
2024 Round 1: Thunderbirds vs Firebirds
The stage was set in Round One, marking the club’s historic move to the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, a big game in which Wilson rose to the occasion.
Wilson temporarily donned the goalkeeper bib again, tallying 11.5 NNP, 6 gains, 3 intercepts and 8 deflections after playing across all three defensive positions.
The versatile defender felt at home in front of a loud pink army and got the best of a familiar opponent.
“It was just such a good atmosphere and I felt like the crowd helped us to get over the line,” said Wilson.
“I was familiar with playing against Tippah so coming up against them I was in familiar territory in the sense, and I had tools in my toolbox to depict whatever they threw at me.”
