Ameliaranne Ekenasio’s Inspiring Return to Netball: A Story of Family Pride, Quiet Trials and Resilience

Ameliaranne Ekenasio is preparing for a significant new chapter. The 35-year-old netball veteran will line up for the Central Pulse in the 2026 ANZ Premiership after four seasons with the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic. Her decision to return to the Wellington-based franchise where she first made her mark represents more than a simple club switch. It marks a deliberate choice for stability, family balance and a fresh professional environment at a stage in her career when many players step away.

Born Ameliaranne Wells in Bundaberg, Queensland, she began her sporting life in Australia. She represented Queensland at underage level and played for the Queensland Firebirds in the ANZ Championship. Limited court time there prompted a bold move in 2015. She crossed the Tasman to join the Central Pulse, quickly establishing herself as one of the competition’s premier goal attacks. Her combination of height, shooting accuracy and athleticism made her a standout.

International recognition followed swiftly. After switching allegiance to New Zealand, Ekenasio debuted for the Silver Ferns in 2014. She became a central figure in the team’s successes, including the historic 2019 Netball World Cup triumph in Liverpool. She later served as captain during several Constellation Cup campaigns, helping New Zealand secure series victories in 2021 and 2024. Her leadership and consistency earned her widespread respect across the sport.

Personal milestones arrived alongside professional highs. Ekenasio married basketballer Damien Ekenasio in 2016. Their son Ocean was born in 2017 and daughter Luna arrived in 2021. These periods required time away from the court. She missed the entire 2017 season and much of 2021 due to pregnancy and recovery. Each return demanded physical rebuilding and mental readjustment while maintaining elite standards.

The loss of her mother, Denese, in December 2015 added profound difficulty. Ekenasio has spoken openly about the mental health challenges that followed and the importance of genuine support during such times. Balancing the demands of motherhood, leadership responsibilities and the relentless schedule of professional netball tested her resilience repeatedly. She has described the constant juggle as exhausting yet deeply rewarding.

After establishing herself as captain at the Magic, Ekenasio announced in August 2025 that she would make herself unavailable for the Silver Ferns’ 2025 international season. The decision stemmed from a need for rest and a desire to be more present for her children, who had grown up knowing their mother primarily as an elite athlete. Her husband provided steady support throughout the process. She ruled out overseas opportunities, prioritising a stable base in New Zealand over further upheaval.

The move back to the Central Pulse for 2026 was not something she had initially planned. In interviews she described the return as unexpected yet welcome, offering a “new lease on life.” Returning to familiar surroundings in Wellington allows her family greater stability. She has emphasised that relocating her young children for another major change would have placed too great a strain at this point. The Pulse environment, with its mix of experienced and emerging players, presents an opportunity to contribute to a rebuilding phase while maintaining high professional standards.

Ekenasio has expressed excitement about the challenge ahead. She spoke of the need to foster a hardworking, professional culture within a squad undergoing significant transition. Her experience across multiple grand finals and international campaigns positions her as a natural leader for younger teammates stepping into bigger roles. The 2026 season will test the group’s ability to blend fresh talent with proven quality under the new broadcast arrangements.

Her journey illustrates the often-unseen realities behind long careers in women’s sport. Maternity breaks, grief, mental wellbeing management and repeated physical comebacks form part of the narrative alongside trophies and caps. At 35, Ekenasio continues to demonstrate that elite performance and family life can coexist when supported by understanding partners, stable environments and personal determination. Her choice to step back temporarily from internationals before recommitting domestically reflects a mature approach to career longevity.

The Pulse faithful will welcome the return of a player who helped deliver premiership success in 2019 and 2020. For Ekenasio, the homecoming offers a chance to compete on her terms while remaining close to the people who matter most. Her story resonates with many athlete-parents navigating similar pressures. It shows that quiet perseverance through personal trials can lead to renewed purpose on the court.

As preparations for the 2026 ANZ Premiership gather pace, attention will focus on how Ekenasio integrates into the refreshed Pulse lineup and what influence she exerts on the team’s culture. Whatever unfolds, her presence guarantees a competitor who has already overcome considerable obstacles to remain at the top level. Her continued participation enriches the league and provides a powerful example of resilience grounded in family priorities and professional passion.