By Henry Alt
Queensland Firebirds Futures star Sasha Flegler is no stranger to high level competition, stepping onto the court for back-to-back Suncorp Team Girls Cups and putting on the green and gold to represent Australia on the international stage.
A North Queenslander and a fierce competitor, Flegler brings determination, relentless and an ever-growing skillset to the court.
It's a mindset forged through hard work and a love for the game that grew from humble beginnings in Tully.
Growing up on a banana farm in regional Queensland, Flegler credits her active, outdoorsy childhood for shaping her resilience and perspective.
"It gave me the ability to work around inconveniences," Flegler said.
"It was always a struggle to find enough girls who wanted to travel the two hours to Cairns and play in a netball carnival."
Sasha’s early netball days started as just a fun Monday afternoon with friends - one of many sports she played - but the tactical elements of the game drew her in, and she never looked back.
Joining the Queensland Firebirds at the past two pre-season Suncorp Team Girls Cup competitions also gave Flegler a taste of what it takes to thrive at the elite level.
"You really get to see what it’s like in the environment that the elite girls are in," she said.
"How they prepare before and during games, and how they deal with results - it was such a learning experience."
Flegler took her game to the world stage at the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago, helping Australia win gold in the Fast5 format.
"It was probably the most unreal thing I’ve ever done," she recalled.
"I had no idea what to expect, so I just enjoyed every moment. It’s something I’ll treasure forever - the moments were insane."
As a Firebirds training partner, she’s now living and learning in the professional environment, soaking in the knowledge of coaches and observing her teammates’ elite mindset.
"Everything is just a bit more crisp at this level - smoother, quicker - so I’m working on making those movements more natural, where I don’t have to think about every step."
Despite being close to a Suncorp Super Netball contract, Flegler remains grounded and focused.
"Netball is a sport where anything can be taken off you just as quickly as it’s given, so I just take it one day at a time," she said.
"I focus on playing well for Futures, my club, and improving every session."
Her connection to North Queensland remains strong, and she proudly brings that identity onto the court.
"Growing up in Tully has definitely shaped who I am. That resilience and grit - I try to bring that every time I play."
And to any young girls from regional areas dreaming of a career in sport, Sasha has a clear message.
"Anything is possible. Netball Queensland has great pathways now, even for regional kids. If you work hard and stay true to yourself, anything can happen," she said.
"And the city isn’t as scary as it seems."
Flegler’s journey is proof that small beginnings don’t limit big dreams and she’s just getting started.
Catch Sasha Flegler and her Firebirds Futures teammates as they face QBE Swifts Academy in the Super Netball Reserves third-place playoff at Waverley Netball Centre this Saturday from 3.30pm.
Fans can watch all the action live via codesports.com.au.
