Toowoomba netballer Ava Black earns spot in Australian U19s squad

She’s put tireless hard work into her craft, and now Toowoomba’s Ava Black has been rewarded with an extraordinary national honour.

Bond University netball player Ava Black. Picture: Supplied

NETBALL: Never in her wildest dreams did Ava Black think this day would come.

The Toowoomba netballer will get the chance to don the green and gold after being named in the Australian Under-19 squad last month.

It’s the culmination of years of dedication, marking the former Glennie student’s biggest honour to date.

“We had an email sent to us separately, and it’s the first year I’ve been selected which is very exciting,” Black said.

“I’ve been working hard for a long time and many years, so it’s nice to have that recognition.

“I’ve been a state ID player since 12 so it’s nice to make the next level.

“It’s an amazing feeling and I’m very grateful.”

The Bond Bull Sharks player and 2020 Sapphire Series MVP credits a change in position for helping elevate her game further and reach new heights.

Ava Black in action for the Panthers U16s. Photo: Nev Madsen

“The biggest thing from last year is changing position and a different style of game,” she said.

“Having exposure with the Queensland Sapphires and to compete at the Australian netball championships, as an 18-year-old that’s the best exposure I’ve had.

“I’ve been a centre since I was 12, but moved to wing defence. It’s given me a leg up in a new position to a different part of the court and an extra opportunity over the three mid-court positions.

“It felt quite natural at the start. I’ve always played more of a defensive game and it’s definitely easy to get a handle of things with great players and mentors around me.”

The support from all parts of southern Queensland has been immense for Black since news came of her latest honour.

Ava Black (left) and Mia Stower in the Queensland schools team in 2015. Photo: Nev Madsen

While netball wasn’t her only love growing up, she has taken every opportunity in the sport to advance to where she is now.

“There’s been so much love and support from everyone in Toowoomba, the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Sunshine Coast,” she said.

“I’ve always loved netball, but played a variety of sports. I was passionate about touch, sevens rugby and athletics.

“Netball is something I did that the more I understood the pathways, it was exciting to take the next step. Next thing you know I’m where I am now.

“Every little girl has a dream to play for the Diamonds or Firebirds, but you don’t really see it until the time has come.”