The volleyball community is mourning the death of New Zealand national team member Kyla Te Wano Greensill, who has passed away at the age of 22 due to meningococcal disease.
The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) also expressed sadness for her sudden death, saying that Te Wano Greensill became a valued part of New Zealand’s volleyball community.
She became part of the national team in 2024, competing at the Trans-Tasman Test Series. The opposite spiker also competed at the 2025 AVC Nations Cup in Vietnam.
However, Te Wano Greensill had to step away from her national team duties after sustaining an ACL injury.
She returned to the sport earlier this year before meningococcal disease took her life on August 16.
FIVB honours Greensill’s contributions
The FIVB has remembered her contribution to the sport on its official website.
It praised Te Wano Greensill’s dedication to volleyball through coaching and volunteering in Waikato despite her ACL injury.
Her dedication and volunteer work in indoor, club, and beach volleyball touched the hearts of many local communities in New Zealand.
Volleyball New Zealand also recognised the late national team member for her “time, energy, and heart” for the sport.
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Family warns public regarding meningococcal disease
Te Wano Greensill’s sudden passing also prompted her family members to raise more awareness on meningococcal disease.
According to family members, the late volleyball player initially experienced flu-like symptoms and was recovering fast. Te Wano Greensill also did not show any symptoms related to the disease.
However, her health deteriorated rapidly due to meningococcal disease.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, meningococcal disease is serious and can be deadly within hours.
“The time between calling the ambulance and facing our new reality was frighteningly short. Meningococcal disease took our girl incredibly quickly,” the parents told Radio New Zealand in an interview.
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Health New Zealand also issued a separate warning to the public regarding the disease, stressing that it can cause meningitis and blood poisoning within hours.
Early symptoms of meningococcal disease include fever, headache, stiff neck, and sensitivity to light.
“If sharing what happened to Kyla means another whanau (extended family) notices something they might otherwise have dismissed and seeks help sooner, then her story may help save another life,” the parents added, according to Waikato Times.
Meanwhile, Waikato Medical Officer of Health Dr Kate Meerkerk also stressed the importance of vaccination after Te Wano Greensill’s sudden death.
Meerkerk added that the meningococcal B vaccine is mostly free, especially for children and other eligible individuals.
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