QUEENSLAND Firebird icon Laura Geitz knows what it takes to become one of the world’s best netballers so it’s no shock Ash Ervin is still buzzing after a surprise meeting with her idol recently.
Ervin was left speechless when what she believed to be a routine media session following training became a priceless opportunity to chat one-on-one with the former Firebirds and Australian Diamonds captain.
Having idolised Geitz growing up, Ervin revealed she would love to meet the three-time premiership winner on an episode of The Netty Life podcast in October.
After recovering from her initial shock, Ervin soaked up everything about Geitz’s journey from Allora in the Darling Downs to becoming a netball legend and the lessons learnt along the way in a morning the young gun won’t soon forget.
“She’s been my favourite player for as long as I can remember and to be able to talk to her was really awesome,” Ervin said.
“She spoke about her time at the AIS and how she was homesick and her dad really helped her through it and she ended up loving it there.
“It reminded me of my parents who have helped me so much throughout my netball and reminded me to really appreciate them.
“She was just such a kind person and I really appreciate that I got to meet my idol.”
The meeting made its impression on Geitz as well, who says she is excited to see what the future holds for the 19-year-old.
A member of the Queensland Sapphires team which finished third at this year’s Australian Netball Championships, Ervin was also invited to train with the Australia U21 squad in Canberra and recently received a Tier 3 Sport Australia Hall of Fame scholarship to help her realise her full potential both on and off the court.
“Ash was an absolute delight to meet and chat with,” Geitz said.
“Her passion for the game was evident from the beginning along with her strong sense of proud Queensland spirit.
“While only spending a short time with Ash, it’s clear early on there’s much more to Ash than her strong athletic attributes.
“Her attitude, work ethic and pure excitement about the opportunity she has been handed with Firebirds is so refreshing to see. It makes me very excited to think this is a name we will be hearing a lot about in the future.”
Geitz believes Ervin is in terrific hands at the Firebirds under the gaze of premiership teammate and Head Coach Bec Bulley – along with fellow defenders Ruby Bakewell-Doran, Remi Kamo and Ash Unie.
“I wish Ash nothing but the best and look forward to watching her journey unfold!”
ASH AND LAURA’S SPECIAL MEETING IS AVAILABLE TO WATCH HERE.
