22 August 2025
Kym Cheeseman
Victoria, Ballarat - Eliza Ashby has been rewarded for her hard work and dedication, earning a prestigious scholarship to Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence.
The scholarship caps off a standout year for Ashby, having represented Victoria at the Under-18 National Championships earlier this year and continuing to shine locally as a Ballarat Miners favourite in NBL1 South, earning increasing minutes as the season progressed. Her strong performances were further recognised at the national level with selection in the Sapphire squad for Basketball Australia’s Under-16 Sapphires.
Basketball Victoria’s, Country High Performance Women’s Coach, Zoe Carr, praised Ashby’s achievement.
“It is always a proud moment when a Country Vic athlete is selected for the Centre of Excellence and Eliza’s reward for her hard work and dedication is no exception,” Carr said.
“She is an absolute pleasure to coach, and I have no doubt she is going to accomplish incredible things as she moves into the next phase of her journey.”
For Ashby, the Centre of Excellence scholarship is both a reward and a stepping stone. “I am so grateful for this opportunity, and it will hugely influence my basketball and improvement,” she said.
“My goal is to make the most of every opportunity, keep improving my game, and hopefully one day represent Australia at the highest level.”
Ashby credits her coaches in Ballarat and Vic Country for their support, while setting her sights firmly on making a junior national team.
Her parents said the family was “absolutely elated” when the scholarship was announced, proud of both the hard work and maturity she has shown through her basketball journey.
Her mum, Karen Ashby, added, “We’re so proud of the way Eliza has committed herself to the sport. She has put in countless hours, and to see that rewarded with an opportunity like this is really special. It’s exciting to see her chasing her dreams and growing not just as a player, but as a person too.”
Eliza’s success is also a celebration for the Ballarat basketball community and the wider Country Victoria pathway. From Friday night road trips to state tournaments and countless hours of local training, her journey reflects the commitment of players, families, coaches, and volunteers who make country basketball thrive.
Carr said Ashby’s achievement should inspire other country athletes to believe in their own journey. “Eliza is proof that athletes from regional areas can achieve incredible things. Her success shows that with commitment, resilience and the right support, country kids can go all the way.”
Keep your eye out for Ashby as her star rises!
For further information about our Victorian pathways and programs click below.
