Keefe is a leading light
NETBALLER Ashleigh Keefe is destined to make a real impact in elite sport.
The Bond University Masters of Dietetics and Nutrition student is co-captain of the Bull Sharks in the Ruby Series.
Off the court, Keefe is on the Uni Sport Student Advisory Group helping to promote sport across the country.
The 22-year-old is fast gaining a name for herself with her studious approach.
“Netball has helped a lot with my leadership,” Keefe said. “Being one of the older girls, I find myself encouraging the younger players and helping them along.
“It all about wanting to get the best out of everyone.
“I also coach young players around the Gold Coast. It is so rewarding. I love it.
“It is all about the grassroots and building it from the bottom up. Working with girls every week, watching them grow and learning new things is rewarding.”
Keefe has ambitions of returning to Queensland’s premier Sapphire Series and hopefully earning a spot in the Super Netball series too.
“I’m co-captaining the Ruby Series team and think we’ll have a great season,” she said. “Ultimately I want to play in the Sapphire league and keep representing Bond. I’ve played a few games in that league.
“We’ve got some really strong defenders in our region and it’s been really good working and training with them, hopefully that will be me soon.
“The steps to get to the Super series is definitely an ambition, following the pathway and establishing myself in Sapphire.
“If I can play consistently across the season, it’s a real possibility for me.”
Such is Keefe’s drive and passion that she has been awarded two ADCO Sport Excellence Scholarships during her time as a Bond student.
The first was for a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science which she completed in 2019 and the other for her Masters of Dietetics and Nutrition. She hopes the qualifications will earn her a career in elite sport to help other athletes achieve their own dreams.
“I think in my profession I want to be involved in sport,” she said. “I’m so drawn to the environment. I love being around elite sport, the crowds.
“I have been looking into sport dietetics and I’d love to be involved in an elite sporting team and travel with them and manage their nutrition.
“That’s definitely the dream job.”