Wilson can’t wait to pull on Black Dress

Maia Wilson had to ask room-mate Shannon Francois if she’d read her letter properly – could she really have just been selected in her first Silver Ferns team?

For the 18-year-old the opportunity to line-up for the Silver Ferns and sing the national anthem with her team-mates is a dream come true – an opportunity she didn’t think she’d get so young.

An imposing shooter in her age group, Wilson burst onto the scene following a standout season in the ANZ Championship.

But she knows the hard work is just beginning and she thanks her family for their support – support that has seen her grow in confidence and perform at the elite level week-in, week-out.

“My mum was screaming I don’t think she could get a word out,” Wilson said with a laugh.

“My whanau are so awesome with their support.

“This isn’t just for me, it’s for them too – all the hard work they’ve put in to support me.”

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As the youngest member of the Silver Ferns Netball Quad Series team, Wilson understands this is a valuable opportunity to learn as much as she can from her team-mates and the management team.

“I can’t wait,” she said beaming.

“Getting out on court and singing the national anthem would be a special moment for me.

“Being so young, I didn’t think this opportunity would come so early, but it’s awesome.

“To have that Silver Fern on your chest is an honour and a privilege.”

You can catch Maia and her Silver Ferns team-mates in action during a blockbuster opening day of action for the Netball Quad Series on Saturday 27 August at Vector Arena – GET TICKETS!