by Silver Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio has revealed she was pregnant when she led New Zealand to their first Constellation Cup series triumph over Australia in nine years in March.
The Central Pulse star confirmed on Friday she is pregnant with her second child and will sit out the rest of the ANZ Premiership netball season, having already missed the opening three games due to medical reasons after opening up on her recent mental health struggles.
Ekenasios last competitive game was in New Zealand’s fourth Constellation Cup test against Australia on March 7, captaining the Silver Ferns to a 45-43 win, which clinched the series 3-1
She had an inkling during the series she was pregnant and her hunch was confirmed shortly after.
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Looking back on Con Cup I was really proud to have been a part of that campaign, to lead that campaign and to obviously bring home the cup, Ekenasio said.
It was such a big moment for us. We worked such a long time for it, so to find out I was pregnant at the same time felt like even more of an achievement for me personally.
Peter Meecham/Getty Images
Silver Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio and coach Noeline Taurua celebrate with the Constellation Cup back in March.
I played that whole tournament pregnant as well. It was definitely tough, but at the end of it I looked back and was really proud of what we did.
Ekenasio and husband, former Wellington Saints basketballer Damien Ekenasio, have a three-year-old son called Ocean.
She said she was over the moon that he will become a big brother to another boy later this year.
Bridget Tunnicliffe is joined by LockerRoom’s Suzanne McFadden, Stuff’s Brendan Egan, and former Silver Fern Katrina Rore on Extra Time.
The goal attack is due to give birth to her second child in November and believed next years Commonwealth Games in England was a realistic target for her return to the netball court.
Weve got a plan set in place which is cool and exciting because the planner, goal-setter, athlete part of me likes to look long-term and the plan is to come back and put myself in a position where Ill be able to contest a spot for the Comm Games and the Netball World Cup.
Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images
Ameliaranne Ekenasio puts up a goal for the Silver Ferns during the Constellation Cup series against Australia in March.
Thats looking long-term, but Im not too stressed about it now. Ill get to that point when it comes to it, but definitely theres a lot of hard work to get back to that place.
It has been a “whirlwind” past few months, she said.
Ekenasio opened up on her mental health struggles in a post on social media in March, telling people it was OK to ask for support. She revealed she was seeing a therapist, which had been beneficial.
On Friday, she said those struggles started before she discovered she was pregnant again and was grateful the Pulse allowed her to take a break from netball.
At the time I felt really guilty for needing to speak up and say I actually wasnt 100 per cent and that I did need some help and some time away from being on court.
Ive learned during that time that I dont actually need to be guilty and Im going to be a huge advocate for this now, that all athletes should be able to take some time away guilt-free when we give so much. This is not just a five-day a week job, its 24/7 and theres so much to it.
I learned for once I do need to put myself first. Im a big believer that the team comes first no matter what. But at this time for the team to come first I actually needed to come first, so I can give what I need to the team.
Ekenasio had originally intended to return to play for the Pulse in 2021 and was on a return to play programme with the view of making an imminent return, but eventually had second thoughts.
Interim replacement shooter Ivana Rowland, who has been with the Pulse for several weeks, will be her permanent replacement for the rest of the season.
The mental break gave me really good clarity on why I wanted to come back and play. What my why was and why I love being back in here. Im a competitor and I just love playing.
I had come back on a return to play programme but just a couple of things changed during that time and its a very sensitive period, my body is changing and my emotions are on a bit of a rollercoaster.
I really was so prepared to come back and play, but I really do think this is the best decision for myself and my family.
Where to get help
- 1737, Need to talk?Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor.
- Anxiety New Zealand0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389)
- Depression.org.nz0800 111 757 or text 4202
- Kidsline0800 54 37 54 for people up to 18 years old. Open 24/7.
- Lifeline0800 543 354
- Mental Health Foundation 09 623 4812, click here to access its free resource and information service.
- Rural Support Trust0800 787 254
- Samaritans0800 726 666
- Suicide Crisis Helpline0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
- Supporting Families in Mental Illness0800 732 825
- thelowdown.co.nzWeb chat, email chat or free text 5626
- What’s Up0800 942 8787 (for 5 to 18-year-olds). Phone counselling available Monday-Friday, noon-11pm and weekends, 3pm-11pm. Online chat is available 3pm-10pm daily.
- Youthline0800 376 633, free text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz, or find online chat and other support options here.
- If it is an emergency, click here to find the number for your local crisis assessment team.
- In a life-threatening situation, call 111.
