QUEENSLAND Firebirds training partner Ash Ervin has departed the club to take up an opportunity with the Sunshine Coast Lightning.
In September the Firebirds signed Ervin as a training partner for the second straight year but didn’t want to stand in the way of the opportunity that has arisen.
“Ash is a very promising defender who has developed through Netball Queensland’s pathways,” Firebirds coach Bec Bulley said.
“She had been making great strides in her development with us and this progress is reflected in her being presented with this opportunity to join the Lightning’s fulltime contracted list.
“The Netball Queensland pathway has a key function to nurture Queensland athletes like Ash through to the elite levels.
“It’s exciting that yet another homegrown talent will be playing in the world’s best netball competition next season and we wish Ash all the best with this opportunity.”
A 192cm goalkeeper, Ervin was a key part of the Queensland Sapphires team at the 2022 Australian Netball Championship, with the 19-year-old ending the tournament with the most deflections (33), second-most gains (35) and third-most intercepts (15).
She was also recently announced as a Tier 3 recipient of The Sport Australia Hall of Fame (SAHOF) 2023 Scholarship and Mentoring Program.
Having emerged through the Bond University Bull Sharks at the Ruby Series and HART Sapphire Series, Ervin was named Players’ Player for the Ipswich Jets after joining them in the 2022 HART Sapphire Series.
“I have so many people to thank at Firebirds, from Megan (Anderson) - who gave me an amazing opportunity last year - Clare Ferguson and Katie walker, who have supported me so much,” Ervin said.
“Brynley (Abad) and Georgia (Black), who have pushed me to my limits, and of course the current coaching staff in Bec (Bulley) and Sara (Francis-Bayman) who have shown extremely promising signs for the future of the Firebirds.
“I also can’t go past the girls who have embraced me and helped me develop my skills so much at trainings and games. I will really miss each of them but I can’t wait to see what they bring next season especially when they come up against Lightning.”
