Ameliaranne Ekenasio was born on November 1, 1991 in Bundaberg, Australia. She is of Māori descent and was raised in a multicultural household. At the age of 13, she discovered her love for netball and began playing for her local team in Queensland.
Ameliaranne's talent on the netball court soon caught the attention of scouts and she was recruited to play for the Wide Bay Thundercats in the Queensland state netball league. Her mother was actively involved in the team's management, providing support and guidance throughout her early career.
In 2010 and 2011, Ameliaranne represented Australia at the under-19 and under-21 levels, showcasing her skills on the international stage. However, in 2014, she made the decision to switch allegiances and started representing New Zealand in netball competitions.
Ameliaranne's decision to play for New Zealand proved to be a fruitful one. She represented the country at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, where she played a crucial role in the team's success. In 2019, she was part of the New Zealand squad that emerged victorious in the Netball World Cup, solidifying her reputation as one of the top netball players in the world.
Her leadership skills were also recognized when she was named captain of the New Zealand team for the 2021 Constellation Cup, leading her team to victory in the prestigious competition.
Off the court, Ameliaranne is a devoted wife and mother. In 2016, she married Damien Ekenasio, and the couple has two children together - a son named Ocean and a daughter named Luna. Family is of utmost importance to Ameliaranne, and she draws strength and inspiration from her loved ones.
Tragically, Ameliaranne lost her mother in December 2015, a heartbreaking event that deeply impacted her. However, she found solace in her family, including her older sister, Haldaana, and younger brother, Jordan, who have always been her pillars of support.
In 2022, Ameliaranne made another career move by joining the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic in the ANZ Premiership, where she continues to display her exceptional talent and leadership on the court. She remains committed to pushing herself to new heights and achieving even greater success in her netball career.
Ameliaranne Ekenasio's journey from a young netball enthusiast to an accomplished international player is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and resilience. She serves as a role model for aspiring athletes, proving that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible.
As she continues to make her mark on the netball world, Ameliaranne remains focused on her goals and is determined to leave a lasting legacy both on and off the court.
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