Agree, I can't think of a standard phase either...Can't think of a phrase with "ведь" that you may be referring to. Actually, I don't think there is a single phrase that covers it.
Something along the lines of "Ты ведь зто не всерьёз!". --- Literally, " You can't be serious!". -- would convey the same sentiment.
But Zhenya is seriously committed to moving forward as an athlete.
...As are others from other places who are choosing international training centres in Europe, Russia, and Canada.
I find this cross-pollination exciting and it sends a positive message in a year in which the international politics around sport have been fraught.
For Zhenya, this season, while I understand why Orser and the TCC team will wish to start with David Wilson as a choreographer, I would like to see her delightful personality shine through. I share concern about weighing her down with a warhorse.