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Former Silver Ferns captain Ana Noovao dies, aged 58
Sport Nation • August 11th, 2026 8:26 am
Ana Noovao | Photo: Photosport
Former Silver Ferns captain Ana Noovao has died at the age of 58.
Noovao's career spanned an important period in the development of international netball, and her contributions on court and through coaching helped shape the game in both New Zealand and the Cook Islands.
A talented mid-courter, she made her debut for the Silver Ferns in 1989 before stepping into the captaincy in 1992 following the retirement of Waimarama Taumaunu.
Noovao leaves behind a significant legacy in New Zealand and Cook Islands netball. She was a member of the New Zealand team that reached the 1991 Netball World Cup final, where the Silver Ferns suffered a heartbreaking one-goal defeat to Australia.
After her time with New Zealand, Noovao continued to contribute to the sport through her involvement with the Cook Islands. She represented the Cook Islands at international level before going on to coach the national side.
Netball New Zealand remembered Noovao as a player who combined athleticism with composure, describing her as a “strong and mobile attacker with a calm temperament”.
Her ability to make an impact when it mattered was regarded as one of her greatest strengths, with Netball New Zealand noting that she often thrived in an impact-player role.
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