Lightning’s Ash Ervin growing in confidence as she eyes 2025 Diamonds call-up

After coming as close as possible to a Diamonds debut in 2024, Sunshine Coast Lightning defender Ash Ervin has reflected on her start to Super Netball season and what’s required to represent Australia.

Ashleigh Ervin of the Lightning. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

Lightning key defender Ash Ervin has begun the 2025 Super Netball season in standout form but says the fire still burns within to make her Australian debut.

Ervin, who celebrated her 22nd birthday on Thursday, was picked in the Diamonds squad last season but failed to find her name on a Test match team sheet.

She said despite her impressive form through the opening five rounds, a Diamonds call-up remained her long term focus.

“An Australian debut is always in the back of my head, it remains my goal whether that’s this year, next year or the year after that so it’s a big drive and motivation for sure,” she said.

“I try to reach out to Stacey (Marinkovich) as much as possible on what I can work on because since coming out of those camps last year I really wanted to have something I could focus on for this season.

Courtney Bruce, Cara Koenen, Ash Ervin and Liz Watson. Picture: Photo Steve Pohlner

“I want to try and put myself in the best position to be selected so I’m really trying to keep that advice coming from that side of the fence.”

Since making her elite level debut in 2023, Ervin said she felt as if she could contribute more to the experienced Lightning squad.

“It’s definitely a combination, I’m only in my third year but that’s also three years of experience in this league so I believe I’ve built a bit of confidence,” she said.

“For me it’s about trying to come out of my shell a bit more and contribute as much as I can to these combinations.

“I still look so highly up to these players so it is building blocks every day for me but in the same way it’s time to really step up and take a bit more of a lead.”

During the Lightning’s round three contest against the Firebirds, Ervin’s impact saw shooter Mary Cholhok benched for the first time in her Super Netball career during the third term.

Mary Cholhok of the Firebirds and Ashleigh Ervin of the Lightning compete for the ball. Picture: Russell Freeman/Getty Images.

The next two rounds will only further increase Ervin’s competitive spirit when she matches up against some of the world’s best shooters in Sophie Garbin for the Vixens and Swifts’ Grace Nweke in round 7.

“I love a good challenge and it’s definitely in my nature to be up for the competition,” Ervin said.

“Both present two different shooting styles and combinations so it’ll be a very quick shift of focus in how I approach these next two games.”

Lightning head coach Belinda Reynolds praised Ervin’s contribution to the squad.

“Her maturity is beyond her years, she’s really committed to putting her best foot forward for the team each and every week as she plays whatever role is required,” Reynolds said.

Sunshine Coast Lightning star Ashleigh Ervin. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“Her form has been great this year but also her presence on the court.

“She gets some tips and touches everywhere and I think the Diamonds would be seriously looking at her again.”

Following a key 18-point win over the Giants in round five, Reynolds hoped her team could continue their good form.

“There’s a high level of confidence still, even in the slight loss to the Fever we were pleased in how we played that game and in most of our games there’s been consistency there, it’s just been about nailing those small moments,” she said.

“We know if we don’t get those small moments right they become an issue late in the game.”

“I’ve said it from the beginning that we have 10 threats to go to at any particular time so those combinations have definitely been building.

“It’s now for me to read the match-ups for each game, reading the moments and putting the firepower out there at the right times.”

Originally published as Lightning’s Ash Ervin growing in confidence as she eyes 2025 Diamonds call-up