Kyla Te Wano Greensill: A Young Life, A Lasting Mark on New Zealand Volleyball

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The New Zealand volleyball community is mourning the sudden passing of Kyla Te Wano Greensill, who died on August 16 at just 22 years of age following a meningococcal infection.

For those who knew her, however, Kyla was much more than a talented volleyball player.
She was a teammate, coach, volunteer, friend and an important part of the volleyball community in Waikato — someone whose connection with the sport extended well beyond the moments she spent on court.

She represented New Zealand at senior level and wore the Volley Ferns jersey for the first time in 2024, making her international debut during the Trans-Tasman Test Series. The following year, she represented her country at the 2025 AVC Nations Cup in Hanoi, Vietnam, continuing what promised to be a long international career.
But her volleyball journey had started much earlier and encompassed virtually every side of the sport. From indoor and club volleyball to beach volleyball, Kyla was deeply involved in the game in her home region of Waikato. She competed, coached, volunteered and consistently gave her time to help others, becoming a familiar and much-loved presence within the local volleyball community.

Her passion for the sport remained just as strong when an ACL injury forced her away from competition. Rather than stepping away from volleyball altogether, she continued to support her friends and teammates from the sidelines and remained actively involved in the Waikato community.

Earlier this year, she finally returned to the court, representing the Huskies during a recent Midlands weekend — a return that offered another reminder of just how deeply volleyball was woven into her life.

That versatility, and her willingness to give back, is perhaps what made Kyla’s contribution so special. She was not simply someone who played volleyball; she was someone who helped build the environment around it.
Whether representing New Zealand, competing for her club, coaching younger players or volunteering behind the scenes, she gave her time and energy to the people around her.

Volleyball New Zealand has remembered Kyla for the “time, energy and heart” she gave to the sport at every level — words that capture the impact of a young woman whose influence reached far beyond her achievements as an athlete.

At only 22, Kyla Te Wano Greensill had already left her mark on New Zealand volleyball. Her international appearances may have been the most visible part of her journey, but her legacy will live just as strongly in the clubs, courts, teams and friendships that shaped her life.

The Volleytimes family and the global Volleyball community extend our deepest condolences to Kyla’s family, friends and teammates, to Volleyball New Zealand, and to the entire New Zealand volleyball community.

May she be remembered not only for the player she was, but for the person she was to so many — generous with her time, passionate about her sport, and always willing to be there for others.