Robert Bailey, Freelance Writer

National netballer Nicole Aiken

National senior netball representative, Nicole Aiken, has quit her full basketball scholarship at the Lamar University in Texas.

Aiken, who started a bachelor's degree in kinesiology and physical education last year September, was in the first of a four-year course of study.

When contacted by The Gleaner yesterday, Aiken said: " I don't quit, but I am not sure if I will be going back. I don't want to talk about it because it is a long story."

However, Jamaica Netball Association (JNA) president, Marva Bernard, who helped to secure the scholarship, said Aiken has quit the scholarship at Lamar University, but added that the Sunshine Girl has taken a decision to complete her degree at the G.C. Foster College of Physical Education in Spanish Town, St. Catherine.

Different culture

"I think she got a bit homesick and decided she wanted to come home," said Bernard. "It is not everybody who goes abroad like it over there, because of the different in the culture and climate However, it is nothing more than this."

The six-footer Aiken, who plays for Jamalco in the Berger Paints Senior League as goal defence and goal keeper, was a member of Jamaica team that won the bronze medal at last year's World Netball Championships (WNC), which was held in Auckland, New Zealand.

The 22-year-old, Aiken is also the older sister of star shooter, Romelda, who was the most outstanding shooter at the WNC.

Nicole made her senior debut for the Sunshine Girls at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia, where the team finished fourth behind winners New Zealand.

She was also part of the Sunshine Girls team which suffered 0-2 Test series defeats to Australia and New Zealand prior to the WNC, in tours Down Under.