A standout through her formative years while playing in grades that belied her age, Canterbury shooter Donna Wilkins was destined to go far.

One of a rare breed to be ushered into the Silver Ferns as a teenager, at 18-years-old, she quickly became a regular selection.

Primarily a goal shoot in her early Silver Ferns days, Wilkins gradually worked her way out to goal attack, going on to become a dominant figure with her range of skills and take no prisoners attitude.

A player of the finest quality, she had all the attributes of a successful shooter and all-round Netball player. A clever attacking player, she combined excellent ball skills and movement with an accurate shot from range.

Super competitive, her height and physical strength gave her a real presence on court, her value not just restricted to the attack end. Always part of the game, she was a valuable contributor on defence with her disruptive abilities and was an excellent rebounder.

Wilkins competed at two Commonwealth Games (1998 and 2002) and the 1999 Netball World Cup.

A dual international, she also played basketball for New Zealand.