The Rockhampton product made her own way to Brisbane on multiple occasions to take part in the trials for the TAE Aerospace Ipswich Jets HART Premier Netball League Ruby division team.
“I travelled down by train on weekends from Rockhampton to Brisbane in my last term of Grade 12, arriving back home on Mondays at 2am,” Jones said.
“It was during my external exams period as well and I tried to make the most of my time by using the train trips to study.
“I did come down with expectations as I have played this club numerous times in previous years, and I knew it was going to be tough. So, I had kept up my training and fitness even in the off season in my region, in hopes I would make it.”
Jones’ commitment paid off, with the teenager impressing to earn a spot in the Jets’ Ruby team for 2025.
Her selection means her immediate netball future is secured with the Rockhampton Grammar School graduate set to move to Brisbane permanently in 2025 to begin her university studies.
“Paige travelled from Rockhampton for our first trials and we were impressed with her intensity and speed,” Jets’ Head Coach Megan Lynch said.
“For our third trial she flew down, caught a train to trials, trialled and immediately trained it back to the airport for her year 12 external exam the next day.
“This demonstrates her commitment and dedication to her netball and we can't wait to see what she can do when she joins us permanently.”
Jones was a member of the inaugural regional intake of the QFFA announced in November 2023.
In a year where Jones not only had to overcome a bad ankle injury and undergo a heart operation, she says being part of the QFFA proved invaluable in keeping her netball dreams on track.
“Being a part of the Regional QFFA was a huge opportunity that helped me achieve my goals,” Jones said.
“The program provided many benefits that not only helped me physically but mentally.
“Throughout the course of last year, with its ups and downs, the program gave me access to high-level coaching, fitness training, physio and support from a community of athletes who pushed me to keep improving.
“It also taught me how to stay resilient and focused, even when facing challenges. With these skills, I’m now set for a big year in 2025, both on and off the court, equipped to manage my studies and netball commitments.”
One of 13 athletes in the inaugural regional intake – including two other Rockhampton-based players – Jones will now showcase her talents for the Jets in the new-look HART Netball Premier League Ruby division.
“Paige’s commitment to netball is commendable, as is her determination to secure a spot in the Jets’ Ruby team for 2025,” Netball Queensland Head of Talent and Development Roselee Jencke said.
“This is the exact purpose and reason behind our formation of the regional QFFA, to ensure that our talent gets the opportunity to reach their full potential regardless of where they come from in Queensland.
“I’m excited to follow Paige’s progress in the next step of her netball career and fully expect other regional members of the QFFA to experience similar successes in their own journeys moving forward.”
With regional branches in Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, and Rockhampton, the QFFA provides high performance coaching and support for athletes, coaches and officials allowing them to develop their skills within their hometowns.
Thanks to foundation partner BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), the QFFA also extends beyond netball with Netball Queensland and BMA sharing a commitment keep people living and working in regional communities.