Sunshine Coast Lightning sign talented Toowoomba netballer

Following in the footsteps of stars like Clare McMeniman and Laura Geitz another Toowoomba netballer is set to make her mark at the elite level. Meet our newest professional star here.

In 2018 Ava Black was a young Darling Downs Panthers star dreaming big.

Her rise through the netball ranks since those early days has almost been as quick as the ‘bolt’ that adorns her new Sunshine Coast Lightning uniform.

Black, 20, is now a fully fledged Suncorp Super netballer having just signed a full-time contract with the Lightning.

“Deciding to sign with Lightning was an absolute given for me,” Black told the Lightning media team.

“It’s been the first professional sporting club I’ve ever been part of since signing as a Training Partner in 2022.

“I have always wanted my first contract on Queensland soil and to have the opportunity to bring my family and friends along the journey with me … so this is an absolute dream come true.”

Ava Black of the Lightning in action during the round 11 Super Netball match between Sunshine Coast Lightning and Collingwood Magpies. Picture: Getty Images

Signed as training partner this year Black played the bulk of her games for the SC Thunder in the HART Sapphire Series competition as well a featuring for the SC Lightning Bolts at the Australian Netball Championships.

Midway through the 2023 season she was brought into the full-time squad as an injury replacement.

“I just love being part of this group, and I’m often caught just smiling in awe of everyone on a daily basis,” she said.

“I am often taken back to the call I had halfway through the 2023 season where B and Jeno told me I was going to be elevated into the team as an injury replacement player.

“I remember thinking, okay now I have to step up here, despite having that head noise and public perception of whether I was ready or deserving of that spot.

Ava Black was named Queensland Sapphire Series MVP award playing for Bond University in 2020. Picture: Supplied.

Ava Black in action for the Darling Downs Panthers during the 16U State Netball Titles IN 2018.

“Getting the official, ’you’re ready kid’, from Belinda and Jeno for a 2024 contract was a whole new level of emotion.

“I think I laid on the floor for a good few hours until I finally picked up the phone to break the news to my family.”

Black is no stranger to elite netball having been named Queensland Sapphire Series MVP in 2020.

She understands she will have a specific role to play in 2024.

“I understand my role as a rookie, and I’ve been in this program now for two years to soak and absorb all the experiences and expectations that follow,” she said.

“I am just looking forward to getting out there and having a red hot go, and learning off some amazing women along the way.

“I can genuinely speak for everyone about how exciting the calibre and potential of this group is, so to be seen as someone valuable and who can contribute to that, is just an absolute privilege.”