August 22nd, 2018 -- A few months ago SPBS focused on recognizing sports heroes – athletes representing all sports who left an indelible impression on the community. We wanted athletes who gave back! We wanted athletes who demonstrated some real passion and community involvement. One name that came to us was that of prolific netballer, Joycelyn Pennyfeather.
Joycelyn Pennyfeather, daughter of Mrs. Bernadine Thomas, grew up in the proud town of Sandy Point, on the island of St. Kitts, under the strict yet loving discipline of her family. It was during this time, virtues such as manners, respect and determination, were inculcated in her.
Joycelyn, from a tender age, showed her athletic ability and allowed her to hold many records at her school, which included the Long-Jump and the 100 meter. As she grew so did her athletic talents and love for sports in general.
Joycelyn became very proficient in netball and was recognized as one of the best players on the island. Subsequently, she was selected joined to play with the St. Kitts National Netball Team. These opportunities in both track and field and netball, afforded Joycelyn many opportunities to travel to several Caribbean islands to represent St. Kitts.
After completing her primary and secondary level education, Joycelyn worked at a multinational company known as Lutron Liamigua. Due to her strong work ethics she was promoted to supervisor, assisting with the management of the company. However, it was difficult for Joycelyn to dismiss the love she has for sports and therefore, she later joined the staff at the Ministry of Sports. She coached for a number of schools around the island, sharpening their skills in netball and track and field. Many, Principals lauded Miss Pennyfeather for the time and effort she dedicated to their school’s netball teams where she would often meet with players outside of working hours for additional training. Track Meets, also known as Sports Days, were also events that Joycelyn loved. Often, she would volunteer to assist at these functions to ensure the smooth execution of events. Many times, at the end of these events, persons could find her, in deep discussions, speaking about the performances of the athletes.
In an effort to revive netball in the community of Sandy Point, Joycelyn co-partnered and started a league. She ensured that she had a team in the League and assisted other teams in recruiting players in the Sandy Point environment. This League became very popular and it began to showcase netball talents not just in the community of Sandy Point, but from the entire island. The high level of competitiveness and fan appreciation demonstrated in this league was a testament to Joycelyn’s passion and willingness to give back to the sport.
The League will continue to pull at the heart strings of Jocelyn as one of her “brain child” as she continues to display a love for sports, children and Sandy Point.
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