Rising Suncorp Super Netball star, Ashleigh Ervin, will return to where her elite career began after she was selected by the Bull Sharks through Netball Queensland’s inaugural player draft.
Although undoubtedly a key part of the Sunshine Coast Lightning’s long-term plans, the chance to offer Ervin extra elite-level game time when she becomes available was an opportunity the Bull Sharks jumped at with their draft pick.
Kim Boland, Bond University’s Head of Netball Operations, says the return of Gold Coaster Ervin - even just as a part-time member of the squad - has plenty of upside ahead of the Bull Sharks return to Queensland’s premier netball competition.
“To have our girls rubbing shoulders with an athlete of Ashleigh’s calibre who can share insights into how the pointy end of the game operates is worth its weight in gold,” she said.
Boland said Ervin’s return was even more special given her local roots.
“Ashleigh went to school on the Gold Coast, played in a very successful Bull Sharks side at u18 State Championship level, and played some terrific Sapphire Series netball for Bond when we were last in the Sapphire competition.
“There’s a nice synergy in play having her back here.”
Moreover, she is delighted at what Ervin may offer when she pulls on a Bull Sharks dress.
“She’s a terrific combination of tall and athletic and a super fierce competitor who in many ways is custom-built for netball,” she said.
“It came as no surprise that a player of her potential was snapped up by the Sunshine Coast Lightning. We are absolutely thrilled to have Ashleigh as a part of the Bull Sharks again.
The experience she has gained in the Lightning environment will be very beneficial especially for our defensive end.”
Bond's 2023 Hart Sapphire and Ruby Series campaigns start on Saturday April 22 with away games against Brisbane North Cougars at Nissan Arena.