Romelda Aiken-George (néé Aiken) (born 19 November 1988) is a Jamaican netball player. Aiken debuted for the Jamaica national team in 2005 as a replacement for regular shooter Elaine Davis.[1] The 1.96 metres (6 ft 5 in) shooter rose to international prominence during the 2007 Netball World Championships.[2] In 2008, Aiken signed with the Queensland Firebirds to play in the ANZ Championship in Australia and New Zealand.[3]

Romelda Aiken-George
Aiken in 2015
Personal information
Born (1988-11-19) 19 November 1988 (age 35)
Height 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in)
Spouse Daniel George
Married September 2021
Relatives Nicole Pinnock (sister)
Netball career
Playing position(s): GS
Years Club team(s) Apps
2004–present Jamaica
2008–2022 Queensland Firebirds
2023 New South Wales Swifts
2024-present Adelaide Thunderbirds
Years National team(s) Caps
2005–present  Jamaica
Medal record
Representing  Jamaica
Netball World Championships
Bronze medal – third place 2007 Auckland Netball
Bronze medal – third place 2023 Cape Town Netball
Commonwealth Games
Bronze medal – third place 2014 Glasgow Netball
Bronze medal – third place 2018 Gold Coast Netball
World Netball Series
Silver medal – second place 2009 Manchester Fastnet
Last updated: 27 September 2021

Former Australian captain Liz Ellis has predicted that "if she [Aiken] can keep this up for a long time she will undoubtedly be one of the best [players] ever."[4] In 2014, she became the first player to score 3500 goals in the ANZ Championship.[5] She has won the MVP award twice, in 2008 & 2009. She also played a major role in leading the Queensland Firebirds to three premierships across her career to date. The unique 2020 Suncorp Super Netball season was notable for Aiken, where she finished first in the league for offensive rebounds (110) and second for goals scored (583). After 14 seasons with the Queensland Firebirds, she was signed as a training partner with the New South Wales Swifts for the 2023 Suncorp Super Netball season as a replacement for injured goal shooter Sam Wallace.[6]

Off the court Aiken has completed a course in both hairdressing and IT, but has favoured her passion for coaching in the recent years. In September 2021 after the conclusion of the 2021 Suncorp Super Netball season, Aiken-George married former professional basketballer Daniel George.[7] They have one daughter, Gianna.[8]

References edit

  1. ^ Ash, Julie (9 November 2007). "Netball: Five to watch". Jamaica Netball Association. Archived from the original on 16 March 2011. Retrieved 12 April 2008.
  2. ^ Bogle, Dania (22 November 2007). "Kudos for Francis, Aiken in New Zealand". Jamaica Observer. Archived from the original on 23 November 2007. Retrieved 12 April 2008.
  3. ^ "Jamaican shooter accepts Aussie contract". Jamaica Observer. 25 January 2008. Archived from the original on 29 January 2008. Retrieved 12 April 2008.
  4. ^ "Aiken will become game's best: Ellis". FoxSports News. 7 April 2008. Archived from the original on 22 May 2011. Retrieved 13 April 2008.
  5. ^ http://www.iriefm.net/news/sports/romelda-aiken-becomes-first-player-score-3500-goals-anz-championship [dead link]
  6. ^ "Romelda Aiken-George seals Super Netball switch to NSW Swifts after being controversially cut loose by Queensland Firebirds". ABC News. ABC. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
  7. ^ "Jamaican netball great Romelda Aiken ties the knot | Buzz". 14 September 2021.
  8. ^ Levy, Leighton. "Sunshine Girl Romelda Aiken George and husband Dan welcome daughter Gianna". SportsMax. Retrieved 18 April 2023.

External links edit

Awards
New creation ANZ Championship Official MVP
2008 (with Sonia Mkoloma),
2009
Succeeded by