Jacqui (left) and daughter Samantha are in constant touch on the court and off. Photo / Paul Estcourt
Jacqui and Samantha Browne have pulled off a rare feat in international sport - the mother and daughter are both in the same team challenging for their sport's top prize.
The Barbados netballers arrived in Auckland yesterday for the world netball championship after having first played together during
the Commonwealth Games last year.
Jacqui, 38, and Samantha, 18, both said having each other as teammates was a bonus, but more for support off the court than on it.
"On the court we're players and off the court we're mother and daughter," Samantha said.
Making the world champs even more of a family affair is Jacqui's younger sister Mellisa, a reserve.
Another daughter, Sabrina, 19, was a reserve in the Commonwealth Games team.
Jacqui plays defence and Samantha plays centre so the pair are in constant communication on the court.
"We help each other out. It's great having her there," Jacqui said.
When Samantha sees her mother miss the ball she tells her to "get into position" or "good try". Jacqui said there is never any preferential treatment for her daughter.
Their netball story began at roughly the same age, Samantha starting when she was 8 and Jacqui when she was 9 but far from competitiveness, it was the "love of the game that's the best thing".
Jacqui made her international debut in 1991 when Samantha was 2 and 13 years later Samantha became one of the youngest players to make a senior Barbados team.
They were also enjoying being in New Zealand where netball had a higher profile.
"It's exciting to be here ... hopefully they'll get a couple of the games on TV."
The fact the team has members who are related, let alone mother and daughter, hasn't fazed the Barbados team, who have become accustomed to it, Jacqui said.
Barbados has their first game on Sunday when they meet England - a game Samantha is eagerly awaiting.
