The Queensland Firebirds have named four training partners ahead of what is shaping to be an exciting 2022 Suncorp Super Netball campaign.
Mid-court duo Macy Gardner (Cougars) and Hulita Veve (QUT) have again committed to the Firebirds, while goal shooter Charlie Bell (USQ Jets) and defender Ashleigh Ervin (Bond Uni Bullsharks) come into the program for the first time.
Firebirds head coach Megan Anderson said she was excited to work closely with the quartet, who all play in Netball Queensland’s HART Sapphire Series, and see them develop further.
“It is so exciting to watch the talent coming through the Netball Queensland pathway and be able to offer them an opportunity to continue to progress their game,” Anderson said.
“Even more exciting and humbling was calling first timers Charlie and Ash, and hearing the excitement in their voices, really one of the feel-good moments of your time as a coach.
“We’ve seen enormous growth in our training partners over the past 12 months, so much so, we have been able to elevate two to our team of 10.
“We’re now able to bring in two more of our exciting young Queensland athletes and give them an opportunity to experience the High Performance environment. I can’t wait to see them flourish and take on the challenge.”
The Firebirds continue to invest in homegrown talent and put an emphasis on elevating training partners over signing new recruits.
Anderson said she was confident this approach would help the Firebirds build towards a successful future.
“We believe in them, and we believe in building up what we have rather than always buying big names,” the Firebirds coach said.
“If we can continue to promote our own pathway athletes then that is our preference.
“It’s import for the culture and legacy of the club and it’s our responsibility as coaches in Queensland to make sure we provide these athletes with everything they need to succeed.
“Our goal is to enable our players to reach their potential whether that’s here at the Firebirds or somewhere else. We want to empower and equip the players to be the best version of themselves and provide a pathway to SSN and ultimately Diamonds.”
