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{{short description|Fiji and New Zealand netball international}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=October 2023}}
{{Infobox netball biography
{{Infobox netball biography
|name = Vilimaina Davu
|name = Vilimaina Davu
|image =
|image = Natalie Avellino.jpg
|caption = ''18 June 2004: Vilimaina Davu (left) playing for [[Canterbury Flames]] against [[Southern Sting]] in the 2004 [[National Bank Cup]] final at [[Stadium Southland]]. Herself and Flames team mate [[Peta Stephens]] challenge Sting's [[Natalie Avellino]].''
|caption =
|updated = 17 March 2010
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1977|01|15|df=yes}}
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1977|01|15|df=yes}}
|birth_place = Nadi, Fiji
|birth_place = [[Nadi]], [[Fiji]]
|height = {{convert|1.90|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}}
|death_date =
|positions = GK
|death_place =
|clubyears1 = 1994–1997
|height = {{convert|1.90|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}}
|clubteam1 = Nadroga
|positions = Goal keeper
|clubyears2 = 2000–2006
|clubyears1 = 2008–09
|clubteam2 = Canterbury NPC
|clubteam1 = [[Northern Mystics]]
|clubyears3 = 2000–2006
|nationalyears1 = 1993–99, 2007
|clubteam3 = [[Canterbury Flames]]
|nationalteam1 = {{nb|Fiji}}
|clubyears4 = 2007
|nationalcaps1 =
|clubteam4 = [[Northern Force]]
|nationalyears2 = 2000–06
|clubyears5 = 2008–2009
|nationalteam2 = {{nb|New Zealand}}
|clubteam5 = [[Northern Mystics]]
|nationalcaps2 =
|nationalyears1 = 1993–1999
|coachyears1 = 2007
|coachteam1 = {{nb|Fiji}}
|nationalteam1 = [[Fiji national netball team|Fiji]]
|nationalcaps1 = 55
|nationalyears2 = 2000
|nationalteam2 = Team Pasifika
|nationalcaps2 = 2
|nationalyears3 = 2000
|nationalteam3 = World 7
|nationalcaps3 =
|nationalyears4 = 2000–2006
|nationalteam4 = [[New Zealand national netball team|New Zealand]]
|nationalcaps4 = 60
|nationalyears5 = 2007
|nationalteam5 = [[Fiji national netball team|Fiji]]
|nationalcaps5 =
|coachyears1 = 2006–2007
|coachteam1 = [[Fiji national netball team|Fiji]]
|medaltemplates =
|medaltemplates =
{{MedalCountry|{{NZL}}}}
{{MedalCountry|{{nb|Fiji}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Netball World Championships]]}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Netball at the Pacific Games|Pacific Games]]}}
{{MedalGold|[[2003 World Netball Championships|2003 Kingston]]|[[Netball]]}}
{{MedalGold|[[Netball at the 1995 South Pacific Games|1995 Tahiti]]|Team}}
{{MedalGold|[[Netball at the 1999 South Pacific Games|1999 Guam]]|Team}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Commonwealth Games]]}}
{{MedalSilver|[[2002 Commonwealth Games|2002 Manchester]]|[[Netball at the 2002 Commonwealth Games|Netball]]}}
{{MedalSilver|[[Netball at the 1997 South Pacific Mini Games|1997 American Samoa]]|Team}}
{{MedalGold|[[2006 Commonwealth Games|2006 Melbourne]]|[[Netball at the 2006 Commonwealth Games|Netball]]}}
{{MedalBronze|[[Netball at the 1993 South Pacific Mini Games|1993 Vanuatu]]|Team}}
{{MedalCountry|{{nb|New Zealand}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[World Netball Championships]]}}
{{MedalGold|[[2003 World Netball Championships|2003 Kingston]]|Team}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Netball at the Commonwealth Games|Commonwealth Games]]}}
{{MedalSilver|[[Netball at the 2002 Commonwealth Games|2002 Manchester]]|[[New Zealand at the 2002 Commonwealth Games|Team]]}}
{{MedalGold|[[Netball at the 2006 Commonwealth Games|2006 Melbourne]]|[[New Zealand at the 2006 Commonwealth Games|Team]]}}
}}
}}
'''Vilimaina Davu''' (born 15 January 1977) is a former netball international who represented both [[Fiji national netball team|Fiji]] and [[List of New Zealand international netball players|New Zealand]]. She was a prominent member of the [[New Zealand national netball team|New Zealand]] teams that were silver medallists at the [[Netball at the 2002 Commonwealth Games|2002 Commonwealth Games]] and gold medallists at the [[2003 World Netball Championships]] and the [[Netball at the 2006 Commonwealth Games|2006 Commonwealth Games]]. However, she began and ended her international career with Fiji, representing them at the [[1999 World Netball Championships|1999]] and [[2007 World Netball Championships]]. During the [[National Bank Cup|Coca-Cola Cup/National Bank Cup]] era, she played for [[Canterbury Flames]] and [[Northern Force]]. During the early [[ANZ Championship]] era, she played for [[Northern Mystics]]. In 2022, she was included on a list of the 25 best players to feature in [[netball in New Zealand|netball leagues in New Zealand]] since 1998.
'''Vilimaina Davu''' (born 15 January 1977 in [[Nadi]], [[Fiji]]) is a Fijian and [[New Zealand]] [[netball]] player, who has represented both countries in international netball as a goal keeper. She has also played [[basketball]] at an international level.<ref>[http://www.commonwealthgames.org.nz/Athletes/AthleteProfile.aspx?Print=&ContactID=2339&id=3780 Profile at the New Zealand Olympic Committee website] {{Dead link|date=January 2019}}</ref>


==Early life, family and education==
==Netball career==
Davu was born in [[Nadi]], [[Fiji]].<ref name="olympicdavu">{{cite news|url=https://www.olympic.org.nz/athletes/vilimaina-davu/|title=Vilimaina Davu|publisher=www.olympic.org.nz|accessdate=15 June 2022}}</ref> Her family home was in Nuku, a village in [[Serua Province]]. She began playing netball aged 8 and attended Lomary Secondary School.<ref name="newsroom260623">{{cite web|url=https://www.newsroom.co.nz/lockerroom/where-is-she-now-vilimaina-davu|title=Where is she now? Vilimaina Davu|publisher=www.newsroom.co.nz|date=26 June 2023|access-date=24 October 2023}}</ref> In November 2007, Davu's father collapsed at [[Nadi International Airport]]. He was part of a small group of relatives and friends that were meeting the [[Fiji national netball team|Fiji team]] on their return from the [[2007 World Netball Championships]]. He died shortly after.<ref name="rnz211107">{{cite web|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/174033/fiji-coach-vilimaina-davu-mourns-the-death-of-her-father|title=Fiji coach Vilimaina Davu mourns the death of her father|publisher=www.rnz.co.nz|date=21 November 2007|access-date=29 October 2023}}</ref><ref name="stuff211107">{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/netball/130332/Davus-dad-dies-on-airport-arrival|title=Davu's dad dies on airport arrival|publisher=stuff.co.nz|date=21 November 2007|access-date=29 October 2023}}</ref> She is married to Aporosa Tamaniveli. They met in 2004 when she returned to Fiji on a holiday. Together they have one daughter.<ref name="ntl141113">{{cite web|url=https://www.nowtolove.co.nz/news/real-life/silver-fern-vili-davus-miracle-daughter-6636|title=Silver Fern Vili Davu's miracle daughter|publisher=www.nowtolove.co.nz|work=[[The Australian Women's Weekly]]|date=14 November 2013|access-date=24 October 2023}}</ref><ref name=fs021214>{{cite news|url=https://fijisun.com.fj/2014/12/02/playing-silver-ferns-a-bonus-davu/|title=Playing Silver Ferns A Bonus: Davu|work=[[Fiji Sun]]|date=2 December 2014|access-date=28 October 2023}}</ref>
On the netball court she was a veteran of more than 100 international tests. She made her senior international debut for [[Fiji national netball team|Fiji]] in 1993, playing in 57 tests for her country of birth until 1999.<ref name=NZPA-2007>{{cite news|title=Davu returns for Fiji|work=The New Zealand Herald|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/netball-world-championships/news/article.cfm?c_id=511&objectid=10474072|date=5 November 2007|accessdate=17 January 2019}}</ref>


==Playing career==
In June 2000, Vilimaina was part of Team Pasifika who met the Silver Ferns in Auckland on 27 June and Palmerston North on 29 June.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=140545|work=The New Zealand Herald|title=Netball: Pasifika side full of talent - Sport - NZ Herald News|date=16 June 2000|accessdate=17 January 2019}}</ref>
===Club career===
====Canterbury Flames====
Between 2000 and 2006, Davu played for [[Canterbury Flames]] in the [[National Bank Cup|Coca-Cola Cup/National Bank Cup]] league.<ref name="nzherald050705">{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/netball-davu-re-signs-with-canterbury-flames/OARHJJN3XJGJMSI6X4EU6CRENU/|title=Netball: Davu re-signs with Canterbury Flames|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=5 July 2005|access-date=26 October 2023}}</ref><ref name="nzherald210906">{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/netball-get-shorty-but-watch-out-shes-vili-fast/4DIKHCH667ALGINVQE5ACK7PBM/|title=Netball: Get shorty (But watch out - she's Vili fast)|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=21 September 2006|access-date=25 October 2023}}</ref><ref name="nzherald311006">{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/netball-fire-goes-out-for-smiling-assassin/2KY4YIX5ZPGB3ULBKVX4D7Y2UA/|title=Netball: Fire goes out for 'smiling assassin'|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=31 October 2006|access-date=25 October 2023}}</ref><ref name="nzherald011106">{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/sport/netball-tod-shocked-by-vilis-departure-from-flames/5Q2ZWMTFTVRXN2NYEMNVPHDQ7Q/|title=Netball: Tod shocked by Vili's departure from Flames|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=1 November 2006|access-date=27 October 2023}}</ref> She was a prominent member of the Flames teams that played in four grand finals.<ref name="newsroom260623"/><ref name="nzherald280500">{{cite news|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/netball-flames-on-form-davu-ignites-team-to-victory/Z5Y5D4TBZ56JN4OZRVKK2NVUWA/|title=Netball: Flames' on-form Davu ignites team to victory|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=28 May 2000|access-date=4 June 2023}}</ref><ref name="psnz310502">{{cite web|url=https://www.photosport.nz/image/I00001t6.PNzjRJA|title=Netball: The National Bank Cup - Northern Force v Canterbury Flames|publisher=www.photosport.nz|date=31 May 2002|access-date=26 October 2023}}</ref><ref name="psnz180604">{{cite web|url=https://www.photosport.nz/image/I0000C8HzD10bJ_s|title=National Bank Cup Netball 2004|publisher=www.photosport.nz|date=18 June 2004|access-date=26 October 2023}}</ref> She captained Flames during the 2005 season.<ref name="olympicdavu"/><ref name="nzherald050705"/><ref name="psnz150405">{{cite web|url=https://www.photosport.nz/image/I0000sCqj6fHLbvw|title=National Bank Cup Round two - Diamonds vs Flames|publisher=www.photosport.nz|date=15 April 2005|access-date=11 June 2023}}</ref><ref name="nzherald070405">{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/netball-thinking-the-unthinkable-a-new-champion/XTP5HL2NSGWAXL5Y4LV4X6E2GM/|title=Netball: Thinking the unthinkable - a new champion|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=7 April 2005|access-date=6 June 2023}}</ref> During this time she also represented Canterbury in the National Provincial Championships.<ref name="nzherald210906"/>


====Northern Force====
She then went on to join the World 7 team who played against the Silver Ferns, coached by Jill Mackintosh. The World 7 team featured Kath Harby (Australia), Elaine Davis (Jamaica), Leana Du Plooy (South Africa) and Vilimaina Davu (Fiji) and Team Pasifika.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mynetball.co.nz/netball-nz/about-netball/history.html|title=History|accessdate=17 January 2019}}</ref>
In 2007, Davu played for [[Northern Force]] in the [[National Bank Cup]] league.<ref name="nzherald311006"/><ref name="nzherald011106"/><ref name="nzherald040407b">{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10432596|title=Netball: National Championship teams|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=4 April 2007|access-date=22 January 2019}}</ref><ref name="netballnzforce">{{cite web|url=http://netballnz.co.nz/default.aspx?s=nbank_team_force|title=The National Bank Cup teams – 2007 Force Team|publisher=www.netballnz.co.nz|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013190923/http://netballnz.co.nz/default.aspx?s=nbank_team_force|archive-date=13 October 2007|access-date=9 May 2023}}</ref> In November 2006, Davu was announced as the new head coach of [[Fiji national netball team|Fiji]]. It was speculated that she would be released from her contract with Force.<ref name="rnz231106">{{cite web|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/166296/newly-appointed-fiji-netball-coach-to-look-at-her-future-in-new-zealand|title=Newly appointed Fiji netball coach to look at her future in New Zealand|publisher=www.rnz.co.nz|date=30 March 2007|access-date=23 November 2006}}</ref> In March 2007, Davu was injured in a car accident in [[Suva]]. She escaped serious injury but was unable to join the Force team for pre-season.<ref name="nzherald300307">{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/netball-davu-clear-to-join-up-with-force/POFZ4WFAEWZJMRMU2ANFLNS73U/|title=Netball: Davu clear to join up with Force|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=30 March 2007|access-date=27 October 2023}}</ref><ref name="nzherald040407a">{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/netball-action-begins-tonight/4K5LOVA4YMZDZHBQDTKRRINGYE/|title=Netball: Action begins tonight|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=4 April 2007|access-date=26 October 2023}}</ref> She subsequently helped Force reach the 2007 grand final, which they lost to [[Southern Sting]].<ref name="nzherald220607">{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/netball-fairytale-end-to-final-chapter-of-league/2FZBOEZJSIFPPAUDWOR7MXR5JM/?c_id=4&objectid=10447427&pnum=0|title=Netball: Fairytale end to final chapter of league|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=22 June 2007|access-date=29 March 2010}}</ref>


====Northern Mystics====
She moved to New Zealand in 2000 and quickly established herself in the [[Silver Ferns]] defence circle. During her Silver Ferns career, Davu became well known for her tough defensive style and frequent contact penalties.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}}
In [[2008 ANZ Championship season|2008]] and [[2009 ANZ Championship season|2009]], Davu played for [[Northern Mystics]] in the [[ANZ Championship]].<ref name="nmhistory">{{Cite web|url=https://www.northernmystics.co.nz/history/|title=Northern Mystics – History|publisher=www.northernmystics.co.nz|access-date=18 November 2021}}</ref> [[Netball New Zealand]] initially overruled Mystics application to register Davu, partly because she had switched allegiances from [[New Zealand national netball team|New Zealand]] to [[Fiji national netball team|Fiji]]. The ANZ Championship only allowed one foreign player per team and Mystics had already registered [[Cathrine Latu]] ([[Samoa national netball team|Samoa]]). Netball New Zealand also based their assessment on Davu's below par performance at the [[2007 World Netball Championships]].<ref name="stuff0208">{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/netball/252371/Mystics-wait-on-Davu-clearance|title=Mystics wait on Davu clearance|publisher=stuff.co.nz|date=February 2008|access-date=27 October 2023}}</ref><ref name="nzherald050208">{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/netball-mystics-fight-for-services-of-davu/EI2SOMYH5YKPVCG5SU7J7L3MIQ/|title=Netball: Mystics fight for services of Davu|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=5 February 2008|access-date=24 October 2023}}</ref><ref name="nzherald080208">{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/netball-explosive-davu-determined-to-win-place-with-mystics/FNC33YSFUVSXAUELDTAG55EFQA/|title=Netball: Explosive Davu determined to win place with Mystics|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=8 February 2008|access-date=25 October 2023}}</ref> However, Mystics successfully appealed the decision and Davu was eventually cleared to play.<ref name="stuff190308">{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/322363/Davu-gains-clearance-for-Mystics|title=Davu gains clearance for Mystics|publisher=stuff.co.nz|date=19 March 2008|access-date=27 October 2023}}</ref><ref name="rnz190308">{{cite web|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/176075/fijian-vilimaina-davu-cleared-to-play-in-new-trans-tasman-netball-competition|title=Fijian Vilimaina Davu cleared to play in new Trans-Tasman netball competition|publisher=www.rnz.co.nz|date=19 March 2008|access-date=24 October 2023}}</ref><ref name="rnz200308">{{cite web|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/176094/fijian-vilimaina-davu-ready-to-take-court-in-new-netball-competition|title=Fijian Vilimaina Davu ready to take court in new netball competition|publisher=www.rnz.co.nz|date=20 March 2008|access-date=17 January 2019}}</ref><ref name="stuff280308">{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/netball/328157/Davu-has-last-laugh-after-Vili-fication|title=Davu has last laugh after Vili-fication|publisher=stuff.co.nz|date=28 March 2008|access-date=17 January 2019}}</ref> To help regain her fitness, Davu became an ambassador for the weight-loss company, [[Jenny Craig, Inc.|Jenny Craig]].<ref name="stuff280308"/><ref name="nzherald030408">{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/netball-predictions-for-the-new-campaign/IYFWF4UQZCVYPGP4WM7ZES6YYA/|title=Netball: Predictions for the new campaign|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=3 April 2008|access-date=29 October 2023}}</ref><ref name="nzherald040408">{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/netball-long-wait-over-for-davu/QT4OIRVYWN5ZLK7B5QFBE44ZYA/|title=Netball: Long wait over for Davu|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=4 April 2008|access-date=29 October 2023}}</ref><ref name="scoop080508">{{cite web|url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0805/S00080/vilis-back-on-court-thanks-to-jenny-craig.htm|title=Vili's Back On Court Thanks To Jenny Craig|publisher=www.scoop.co.nz|date=8 May 2008|access-date=29 October 2023}}</ref><ref name="stuff080508">{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sunday-news/latest-edition/616165/Weighting-is-over-for-Vili|title=Weighting is over for Vili|publisher=stuff.co.nz|date=8 May 2008|access-date=29 October 2023}}</ref> Ahead of the 2009 season, Davu was became a [[New Zealand citizen]].<ref name="fv120309">{{cite web|url=https://www.fijivillage.com/sport/Davu-gets-NZ-citizenship-9k52sr/|title=Davu gets NZ citizenship|publisher=www.fijivillage.com|date=12 March 2009|access-date=24 October 2023}}</ref> In April 2022, she was included on a list of the 25 best players to feature in [[netball in New Zealand|netball leagues in New Zealand]] since 1998.<ref name="anz010422">{{cite web|url=https://anzpremiership.co.nz/news/article/top-25-of-the-last-25-leave-a-lasting-imprint|title=‘Top 25 of the Last 25’ leave a lasting imprint|publisher=anzpremiership.co.nz|date=1 April 2022|access-date=23 April 2022}}</ref><ref name="netballnz010422">{{cite web|url=https://www.netballnz.co.nz/news/detail/top-25-of-the-last-25-leave-a-lasting-imprint|title=‘Top 25 of the Last 25’ leave a lasting imprint|publisher=www.netballnz.co.nz|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424184743/https://www.netballnz.co.nz/news/detail/top-25-of-the-last-25-leave-a-lasting-imprint|archive-date=24 April 2022|date=1 April 2022|access-date=24 April 2022}}</ref>


===International career===
She also won the Fijian Sportswoman of the Year in 2000.<ref>http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=52202 {{Dead link|date=January 2019}}</ref>
====Fiji (1993–1999)====
Between 1993 and 1999, Davu made 55 senior appearances for [[Fiji national netball team|Fiji]].<ref name="nzherald210906"/><ref name="nzherald311006"/><ref name="stuff1107">{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/netball/24835/Davu-named-in-Fiji-team-for-world-champs|title=Davu named in Fiji team for world champs|publisher=stuff.co.nz|date=November 2007|access-date=24 October 2023}}</ref><ref name="nzherald041107b">{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/netball-davu-returns-for-fiji/MTYYQEYD5VWND74BTKSBCJEGA4/|title=Netball: Davu returns for Fiji|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=4 November 2007|access-date=28 October 2023}}</ref><ref name=fs221114>{{cite news|url=https://fijisun.com.fj/2014/11/22/delai-davu-inducted/|title=Delai, Davu Inducted|work=[[Fiji Sun]]|date=22 November 2014|access-date=3 January 2022}}</ref><ref name="sp2014">{{cite web|url=http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=1-3653-0-0-0&sID=35815&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=32387136|title=2014 Vilimaina Davu - Netball|work=[[Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee]]|publisher=www.sportingpulse.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150530001544/http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=1-3653-0-0-0&sID=35815&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=32387136|archive-date=30 May 2015|access-date=28 October 2023}}</ref> In 1992, aged just 14, she was selected to play for Fiji at the [[World Youth Netball Championships|1992 World Youth Netball Championships]].<ref name="newsroom260623"/><ref name="stuff1107"/><ref name="nzherald270600">{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/netball-davu-has-chance-to-impress-national-selectors/3GENW22LOFDII76OZDMV6GAQ3Q/|title=Netball: Davu has chance to impress national selectors|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=27 June 2000|access-date=24 October 2023}}</ref> She was subsequently a member of the Fiji teams that were bronze medallists at the [[Netball at the 1993 South Pacific Mini Games|1993 South Pacific Mini Games]] and gold medallists at the [[Netball at the 1995 South Pacific Games|1995 South Pacific Games]]. She captained the Fiji teams that were silver medallists at the [[Netball at the 1997 South Pacific Mini Games|1997 South Pacific Mini Games]] and gold medallists at the [[Netball at the 1999 South Pacific Games|1999 South Pacific Games]].<ref name=fs221114/><ref name="sp2014"/> She also captained the Fiji team that finished sixth at the [[1999 World Netball Championships]].<ref name="newsroom260623"/><ref name="nzherald270600"/><ref name="sfvd123">{{cite web|url=https://www.silverferns.co.nz/silver-ferns/history/players/vilimaina-davu.html|title=Vilimaina Davu|publisher=www.silverferns.co.nz|access-date=17 April 2022}}</ref><ref name="1999todor66">{{cite web|url=http://www.todor66.com/others/Netball/World/Women_1999.html|title=Women Netball X World Championship 1999|publisher=www.todor66.com|access-date=5 January 2020}}</ref>


====Team Pasifika/World 7====
Vilimaina won Sports Personality of the Year by Sport Canterbury for netball in 2002.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportcanterbury.org.nz/ |title=Archived copy|accessdate=5 December 2012|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130190034/http://www.sportcanterbury.org.nz/|archivedate=30 November 2012}}</ref>
In June 2000, Vilimaina captained the Team Pasifika selection that played [[New Zealand national netball team|New Zealand]] in a two match series. The team was coached by [[Te Aroha Keenan]] and also featured [[Teresa Tairi]], [[Jenny-May Coffin]], [[Frances Solia]] and [[Sheryl Clarke]].<ref name="nzherald270600"/><ref name="nzherald160600">{{cite news|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=140545|title=Netball: Pasifika side full of talent|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=16 June 2000|access-date=17 January 2019}}</ref><ref name="nzherald270600b">{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/netball-little-to-be-read-into-ferns-victory/YW4MZYHJUAXBE2LOYLZX5QAXOE/|title=Netball: Little to be read into Ferns' victory|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=27 June 2000|access-date=27 October 2023}}</ref><ref name="nzherald280600">{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/netball-george-seizes-her-chance/VQXRPNVZZHT3QZ2N3ERA5VG2RQ/|title=Netball: George seizes her chance|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=28 June 2000|access-date=27 October 2023}}</ref>


In July 2000, Davu played for the World 7 team that played New Zealand in a three match series. The team was coached by [[Jill McIntosh]] and also featured [[Kathryn Harby]] ([[Australia national netball team|Australia]]), [[Elaine Davis]] ([[Jamaica national netball team|Jamaica]]), [[Leana du Plooy]] ([[South Africa national netball team|South Africa]]).<ref name="netballnz200009">{{cite web|url=https://www.netballnz.co.nz/netball-nz/our-game/history/2000-2009.html|title=History – 2000-2009|publisher=www.netballnz.co.nz|access-date=24 October 2023}}</ref><ref name="nzherald070700">{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/netball-silver-ferns-tipped-to-take-decider/5R7J5H4EDHJ4YQZ7ELFEVKACTE/|title=Netball: Silver Ferns tipped to take decider|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=7 July 2000|access-date=27 October 2023}}</ref>
The 2003 Halberg Awards in New Zealand were dominated by netball. Vilimaina was part of the Silver Ferns team who were honoured with the Team of the Year award.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.netballnz.co.nz/news/detail/champion-silver-ferns-celebrate-with-halberg-decade-greats|title=Champion Silver Ferns celebrate with Halberg decade greats|publisher=Netball New Zealand|date=8 February 2010|accessdate=17 January 2019}}</ref> The 2003 Silver Ferns were: Anna Stanley (née Rowberry) (captain), Irene van Dyk, Tania Dalton, Belinda Colling, Temepara George, Sheryl Scanlan (née Clark), Vilimaina Davu, Lesley Rumball (née Nicol), Adine Wilson, Anna Harrison (ne'e Scarlett), Jodi Brown (née Te Huna), Leana de Bruin (née du Plooy). Coach: Ruth Aitken. Assistant Coach: Leigh Gibbs. Manager: Sheryl Wells.


====New Zealand====
After six years playing for New Zealand, with 61 appearances, Davu retired from international netball in 2006, and joined Fiji Netball as head coach of the national team to prepare them for the [[2007 Netball World Championships]] in Auckland. Davu became a player-coach (similar to what [[Waisale Serevi]] did in [[Rugby sevens|sevens rugby]]) before the start of the tournament, joining the team as a goal keeper after they suffered several player injuries.<ref name=NZPA-2007/> However, Fiji had a disappointing showing at the 2007 World Championships and Davu resigned from her position.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/170012/fiji-netball-coach-threatens-resignation|title=Fiji netball coach threatens resignation|publisher=[[Radio New Zealand]]|date=21 May 2007|accessdate=17 January 2019}}</ref>
Between 2000 and 2006, Davu made 60 senior appearances for [[New Zealand national netball team|New Zealand]]. On 25 November 2000, she made her senior debut against [[South Africa national netball team|South Africa]].<ref name="sfvd123"/><ref name="nzherald261100">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/netball-silver-ferns-overwhelm-south-africans/EUHNJOFJ74FKJ7OHHINLJE4BWY/|title=Netball: Silver Ferns overwhelm South Africans|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=26 November 2000|access-date=17 November 2023}}</ref> She was a member of the New Zealand team that were silver medalists at the [[Netball at the 2002 Commonwealth Games|2002 Commonwealth Games]].<ref name="olympicdavu"/><ref name="newsroom260623"/><ref name="psnz040802">{{cite web|url=https://www.photosport.nz/image/I0000ask.AuCFj2U|title=Vilimaina Davu. New Zealand v Australia|publisher=www.photosport.nz|date=4 August 2002|access-date=24 October 2023}}</ref>
She was a prominent member of the New Zealand teams that won the [[2003 World Netball Championships]]<ref name="psnz200703">{{cite web|url=https://www.photosport.nz/image/I0000VDMn26RrRNc|title=Sheryl Clarke and Vilimaina Davu|publisher=www.photosport.nz|date=20 July 2003|access-date=24 October 2023}}</ref><ref name="sf190719">{{cite web|url=https://www.silverferns.co.nz/images/silver-ferns/documents/2019_WC_Media_Guide_Digital_Version_LOW.pdf|title=Vitality Netball World Cup Liverpool 2019 Media Guide|publisher=www.silverferns.co.nz|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200209105237/https://www.silverferns.co.nz/images/silver-ferns/documents/2019_WC_Media_Guide_Digital_Version_LOW.pdf|archive-date=9 February 2020|date=19 July 2019|access-date=17 September 2023}}</ref><ref name="stuff210719">{{cite web|author=[[Brendon Egan]]|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/netball/netball-world-cup/113860332/tears-triumphs-and-tribulations-how-the-silver-ferns-have-fared-at-netball-world-cup|title=Tears, triumphs, and tribulations: How the Silver Ferns have fared at Netball World Cup|publisher=stuff.co.nz|date=21 July 2019|accessdate=17 September 2023}}</ref><ref name="2003todor66">{{cite web|url=http://www.todor66.com/others/Netball/World/Women_2003.html|title=Women Netball XI World Championship 2003|publisher=www.todor66.com|access-date=25 February 2020}}</ref> and the [[Netball at the 2006 Commonwealth Games|2006 Commonwealth Games]].<ref name="olympicdavu"/><ref name="nzherald260306">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/golden-ferns-down-aussies-in-netball-final/XDTSXEQK4BBFSKDNJUUODZJPAU/|title=Golden Ferns down Aussies in netball final|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=26 March 2006|accessdate=8 July 2021}}</ref>
Davu was highly regarded as an international goalkeeper. [[Australia national netball team|Australia]] head coach [[Norma Plummer]] was a big admirer. [[Ruth Aitken]] said Davu rated among the great New Zealand defenders such as [[Waimarama Taumaunu]] and [[Bernice Mene]]. In October 2005, she announced she was retiring from international netball.<ref name="nzherald311006"/><ref name="nzherald281005">{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/netball-smiling-assassin-intimidates-australia/LRBLYB6FIX4XCEZABLU2MGGLQE/|title=Netball: 'Smiling assassin' intimidates Australia|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=28 October 2005|access-date=25 October 2023}}</ref>


====Fiji (2007)====
In 2008, she returned to New Zealand and signed to play with the [[Northern Mystics]] in the [[ANZ Championship]] and became second ineligible player after [[Catherine Latu]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/176094/fijian-vilimaina-davu-ready-to-take-court-in-new-netball-competition|title=Fijian Vilimaina Davu ready to take court in new netball competition|date=20 March 2008|publisher=Radio New Zealand|accessdate=17 January 2019}}</ref> Davu is also a weight-loss ambassador for [[Jenny Craig]] in New Zealand and is featured on their advertisements.<ref>{{cite news|title=Davu has last laugh after Vili-fication|work=Sunday Star Times|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/netball/328157/Davu-has-last-laugh-after-Vili-fication|date=28 March 2008|accessdate=17 January 2019}}</ref>
In 2006 and 2007, Davu served as head coach of [[Fiji national netball team|Fiji]].<ref name="rnz231106"/><ref name="rnz210507">{{cite web|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/170012/fiji-netball-coach-threatens-resignation|title=Fiji netball coach threatens resignation|publisher=www.rnz.co.nz|date=21 May 2007|access-date=17 January 2019}}</ref><ref name="fv261007">{{cite web|url=https://fijivillage.com/sport/Davu-employs-long-selection-process-5s9r2k/|title=Davu employs long selection process|publisher=www.fijivillage.com|date=26 October 2007|access-date=24 October 2023}}</ref> She was head coach when Fiji won the gold medal at the [[Netball at the 2007 South Pacific Games|2007 South Pacific Games]]<ref name="rnz030907">{{cite web|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/172393/two-former-silver-ferns-guide-their-countries-to-gold-and-silver-at-south-pacific-games|title=Two former Silver Ferns guide their countries to gold and silver at South Pacific Games|publisher=www.rnz.co.nz|date=3 September 2007|access-date=28 October 2023}}</ref><ref name="nzherald041107a">{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/netball-silver-ferns-call-in-the-big-guns/VSFUZBMN3XRI6PEGTXDFDJQB7Q/|title=Netball: Silver Ferns call in the big guns|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=4 November 2007|access-date=24 October 2023}}</ref> She was player/coach for Fiji at the [[2007 Netball World Championships]].<ref name="stuff1107"/><ref name="nzherald041107b"/><ref name="nzherald041107a"/><ref name="ps101107">{{cite web|url=https://mbphoto.photoshelter.com/image/I00007hfZRuDFI4I|title=Fiji Player/Coach Vilimaina Davu...|publisher=photoshelter.com|date=10 November 2007|access-date=24 October 2023}}</ref><ref name="nzherald081107">{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/netball-the-rest-of-the-world-minnows-chase-rankings/H5XO6A53FXCO4YRS5Q5ARJ3FTM/|title=Netball: The rest of the world minnows chase rankings|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=8 November 2007|access-date=24 October 2023}}</ref> Davu faced criticism for her performances at the tournament. She admitted her fitness and conditioning wasn't what it should have been, but emphasized she was only a late inclusion in the squad after visa issues ruled out some of the other members.<ref name="nzherald050208"/><ref name="nzherald080208"/><ref name="stuff280308"/>


{| class="wikitable collapsible"
2009 saw Vilimaina return to coaching at a premier level for Auckland's Netball Waitakere<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.netballwaitakere.co.nz/index.php|title=Archived copy|accessdate=5 December 2012|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208022441/http://netballwaitakere.co.nz/index.php|archivedate=8 February 2013}}</ref> where she has held this position for the past three years.
! Tournaments
! Place
! Team
|-
|[[World Youth Netball Championships|1992 World Youth Netball Championships]]<ref name="newsroom260623"/><ref name="nzherald270600"/><ref name="stuff1107"/>||5th||rowspan="6"|{{nb|Fiji}}
|-
|[[Netball at the 1993 South Pacific Mini Games|1993 South Pacific Mini Games]]<ref name=fs221114/><ref name="sp2014"/>||{{bronze03}}
|-
|[[Netball at the 1995 South Pacific Games|1995 South Pacific Games]]<ref name=fs221114/><ref name="sp2014"/>||{{gold01}}
|-
|[[Netball at the 1997 South Pacific Mini Games|1997 South Pacific Mini Games]]<ref name=fs221114/><ref name="sp2014"/>||{{silver02}}
|-
|[[Netball at the 1999 South Pacific Games|1999 South Pacific Games]]<ref name=fs221114/><ref name="sp2014"/>||{{gold01}}
|-
|[[1999 World Netball Championships]]<ref name="newsroom260623"/><ref name="nzherald270600"/><ref name="sfvd123"/><ref name="1999todor66"/>||6th
|-
|[[Netball at the 2002 Commonwealth Games|2002 Commonwealth Games]]<ref name="olympicdavu"/><ref name="newsroom260623"/><ref name="psnz040802"/>||{{silver02}}||rowspan="3"|{{nb|New Zealand}}
|-
|[[2003 World Netball Championships]]<ref name="psnz200703"/><ref name="sf190719"/><ref name="stuff210719"/><ref name="2003todor66"/>||{{gold01}}
|-
|[[Netball at the 2006 Commonwealth Games|2006 Commonwealth Games]]<ref name="olympicdavu"/><ref name="nzherald260306"/>||{{gold01}}
|-
|[[2007 World Netball Championships]]<ref name="stuff1107"/><ref name="nzherald041107b"/><ref name="sfvd123"/><ref name="nzherald041107a"/><ref name="ps101107"/><ref name="nzherald081107"/>||9th||{{nb|Fiji}}
|-
|}


==Employment==
In 2011 Vilimaina attended the BEST Leadership Academy. Their Leadership Programme blends post-graduate courses for business leadership and entrepreneurship interwoven within a Pasifika context. The Pasifika Leadership Programme's unique Pasifika context and content includes a combination of workshops, experiences, e-learning components, Distinguished Speakers and mentoring by noted leaders. Vilimaina was part of the 2011 cohort and will graduate in April 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.bestleaders.ac.nz/participants2011.aspx |title=Archived copy |access-date=5 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208102818/http://bestleaders.ac.nz/participants2011.aspx |archive-date=8 February 2013 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
Davu has worked as a recruitment consultant for Coverstaff in [[Auckland]].<ref name="newsroom260623"/><ref name="nzherald061214">{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/helping-others-achieve-goals/3MJND56UHLKPKVN2C4IYB74KWU/|title=Helping others achieve goals|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|date=6 December 2014|access-date=24 October 2023}}</ref>


==Honours==
12 October 2014 saw Vilimaina inducted into the Fiji Hall of Fame<ref>{{cite news|url=https://fijisun.com.fj/2014/11/22/delai-davu-inducted/|title=Delai, Davu Inducted|work=[[Fiji Sun]]|date=22 November 2014|accessdate=17 January 2019}}</ref> for her netballing achievements.
===Playing career===
;[[New Zealand national netball team|New Zealand]]
*'''[[World Netball Championships]]'''
**''Winners'': [[2003 World Netball Championships|2003]]
*'''[[Netball at the Commonwealth Games|Commonwealth Games]]'''
**''Winners'': [[Netball at the 2006 Commonwealth Games|2006]]
**''Runners Up'': [[Netball at the 2002 Commonwealth Games|2002]]
;[[Fiji national netball team|Fiji]]
*'''[[Netball at the Pacific Games|Pacific Games]]'''
**''Winners'': [[Netball at the 1995 South Pacific Games|1995]], [[Netball at the 1999 South Pacific Games|1999]]
**''Runners Up'': [[Netball at the 1997 South Pacific Mini Games|1997]]
;[[Canterbury Flames]]
*'''[[National Bank Cup|Coca-Cola Cup/National Bank Cup]]'''
**''Runners Up'': 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004
;[[Northern Force]]
*'''[[National Bank Cup]]'''
**''Runners Up'': 2007
===Coaching career===
;[[Fiji national netball team|Fiji]]
*'''[[Netball at the Pacific Games|Pacific Games]]'''
**''Winners'': [[Netball at the 2007 South Pacific Games|2007]]


;Individual Awards
Vilimaina has been a regular on the speaking circuit since 2003 and frequently gives motivational speeches to communities including youth groups, sporting fraternities and at corporate events.
{| class="wikitable collapsible"
! Year
! Award
|-
|2000||Fijian Sportswoman of the Year
|-
|2002||Sport Canterbury Sports Personality of the Year
|-
|2014||[[Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee#Fiji Sports Hall of Fame|Fiji Sports Hall of Fame]]<ref name=fs021214/>
|-
|}

{{small|'''Sources''':<ref name=fs221114/><ref name="sp2014"/>}}


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist|3}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2011}}


{{Navboxes
|title=New Zealand Commonwealth Games teams
|bg=black
|fg=white
|list1=
{{2002 New Zealand Commonwealth Games team}}
{{2006 New Zealand Commonwealth Games team}}
{{2006 New Zealand Commonwealth Games team}}
}}
{{Navboxes
|title=New Zealand netball squads
|bg=black
|fg=white
|list1=
{{New Zealand netball squad at the 2002 Commonwealth Games}}
{{New Zealand squad at the 2003 World Netball Championships}}
{{New Zealand netball squad at the 2006 Commonwealth Games}}
}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Davu, Vilimaina}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Davu, Vilimaina}}
[[Category:1977 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Fijian netball players]]
[[Category:Fijian netball players]]
[[Category:New Zealand netball players]]
[[Category:New Zealand netball players]]
[[Category:New Zealand international netball players]]
[[Category:New Zealand international netball players]]
[[Category:New Zealand netball coaches]]
[[Category:Medallists at the 2002 Commonwealth Games]]
[[Category:Medallists at the 2006 Commonwealth Games]]
[[Category:Commonwealth Games gold medallists for New Zealand]]
[[Category:Commonwealth Games gold medallists for New Zealand]]
[[Category:Commonwealth Games silver medallists for New Zealand]]
[[Category:Commonwealth Games silver medallists for New Zealand]]
[[Category:Commonwealth Games medallists in netball]]
[[Category:Netball players at the 2002 Commonwealth Games]]
[[Category:Netball players at the 2006 Commonwealth Games]]
[[Category:1999 World Netball Championships players]]
[[Category:2003 World Netball Championships players]]
[[Category:2007 World Netball Championships players]]
[[Category:Northern Mystics players]]
[[Category:Northern Mystics players]]
[[Category:ANZ Championship players]]
[[Category:ANZ Championship players]]
[[Category:1977 births]]
[[Category:Canterbury Flames players]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Northern Force players]]
[[Category:New Zealand people of I-Taukei Fijian descent]]
[[Category:New Zealand people of I-Taukei Fijian descent]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Nadi]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Nadi]]
[[Category:Commonwealth Games medallists in netball]]
[[Category:Pacific Games gold medalists for Fiji]]
[[Category:Netball players at the 2002 Commonwealth Games]]
[[Category:Pacific Games silver medalists for Fiji]]
[[Category:Netball players at the 2006 Commonwealth Games]]
[[Category:Pacific Games bronze medalists for Fiji]]

Latest revision as of 12:59, 25 July 2024

Vilimaina Davu
18 June 2004: Vilimaina Davu (left) playing for Canterbury Flames against Southern Sting in the 2004 National Bank Cup final at Stadium Southland. Herself and Flames team mate Peta Stephens challenge Sting's Natalie Avellino.
Personal information
Born (1977-01-15) 15 January 1977 (age 47)
Nadi, Fiji
Height 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in)
Netball career
Playing position(s): GK
Years Club team(s) Apps
1994–1997 Nadroga
2000–2006 Canterbury NPC
2000–2006 Canterbury Flames
2007 Northern Force
2008–2009 Northern Mystics
Years National team(s) Caps
1993–1999 Fiji 55
2000 Team Pasifika 2
2000 World 7
2000–2006 New Zealand 60
2007 Fiji
Coaching career
Years Team(s)
2006–2007 Fiji
Medal record
Representing  Fiji
Pacific Games
Gold medal – first place 1995 Tahiti Team
Gold medal – first place 1999 Guam Team
Silver medal – second place 1997 American Samoa Team
Bronze medal – third place 1993 Vanuatu Team
Representing  New Zealand
World Netball Championships
Gold medal – first place 2003 Kingston Team
Commonwealth Games
Silver medal – second place 2002 Manchester Team
Gold medal – first place 2006 Melbourne Team

Vilimaina Davu (born 15 January 1977) is a former netball international who represented both Fiji and New Zealand. She was a prominent member of the New Zealand teams that were silver medallists at the 2002 Commonwealth Games and gold medallists at the 2003 World Netball Championships and the 2006 Commonwealth Games. However, she began and ended her international career with Fiji, representing them at the 1999 and 2007 World Netball Championships. During the Coca-Cola Cup/National Bank Cup era, she played for Canterbury Flames and Northern Force. During the early ANZ Championship era, she played for Northern Mystics. In 2022, she was included on a list of the 25 best players to feature in netball leagues in New Zealand since 1998.

Early life, family and education

[edit]

Davu was born in Nadi, Fiji.[1] Her family home was in Nuku, a village in Serua Province. She began playing netball aged 8 and attended Lomary Secondary School.[2] In November 2007, Davu's father collapsed at Nadi International Airport. He was part of a small group of relatives and friends that were meeting the Fiji team on their return from the 2007 World Netball Championships. He died shortly after.[3][4] She is married to Aporosa Tamaniveli. They met in 2004 when she returned to Fiji on a holiday. Together they have one daughter.[5][6]

Playing career

[edit]

Club career

[edit]

Canterbury Flames

[edit]

Between 2000 and 2006, Davu played for Canterbury Flames in the Coca-Cola Cup/National Bank Cup league.[7][8][9][10] She was a prominent member of the Flames teams that played in four grand finals.[2][11][12][13] She captained Flames during the 2005 season.[1][7][14][15] During this time she also represented Canterbury in the National Provincial Championships.[8]

Northern Force

[edit]

In 2007, Davu played for Northern Force in the National Bank Cup league.[9][10][16][17] In November 2006, Davu was announced as the new head coach of Fiji. It was speculated that she would be released from her contract with Force.[18] In March 2007, Davu was injured in a car accident in Suva. She escaped serious injury but was unable to join the Force team for pre-season.[19][20] She subsequently helped Force reach the 2007 grand final, which they lost to Southern Sting.[21]

Northern Mystics

[edit]

In 2008 and 2009, Davu played for Northern Mystics in the ANZ Championship.[22] Netball New Zealand initially overruled Mystics application to register Davu, partly because she had switched allegiances from New Zealand to Fiji. The ANZ Championship only allowed one foreign player per team and Mystics had already registered Cathrine Latu (Samoa). Netball New Zealand also based their assessment on Davu's below par performance at the 2007 World Netball Championships.[23][24][25] However, Mystics successfully appealed the decision and Davu was eventually cleared to play.[26][27][28][29] To help regain her fitness, Davu became an ambassador for the weight-loss company, Jenny Craig.[29][30][31][32][33] Ahead of the 2009 season, Davu was became a New Zealand citizen.[34] In April 2022, she was included on a list of the 25 best players to feature in netball leagues in New Zealand since 1998.[35][36]

International career

[edit]

Fiji (1993–1999)

[edit]

Between 1993 and 1999, Davu made 55 senior appearances for Fiji.[8][9][37][38][39][40] In 1992, aged just 14, she was selected to play for Fiji at the 1992 World Youth Netball Championships.[2][37][41] She was subsequently a member of the Fiji teams that were bronze medallists at the 1993 South Pacific Mini Games and gold medallists at the 1995 South Pacific Games. She captained the Fiji teams that were silver medallists at the 1997 South Pacific Mini Games and gold medallists at the 1999 South Pacific Games.[39][40] She also captained the Fiji team that finished sixth at the 1999 World Netball Championships.[2][41][42][43]

Team Pasifika/World 7

[edit]

In June 2000, Vilimaina captained the Team Pasifika selection that played New Zealand in a two match series. The team was coached by Te Aroha Keenan and also featured Teresa Tairi, Jenny-May Coffin, Frances Solia and Sheryl Clarke.[41][44][45][46]

In July 2000, Davu played for the World 7 team that played New Zealand in a three match series. The team was coached by Jill McIntosh and also featured Kathryn Harby (Australia), Elaine Davis (Jamaica), Leana du Plooy (South Africa).[47][48]

New Zealand

[edit]

Between 2000 and 2006, Davu made 60 senior appearances for New Zealand. On 25 November 2000, she made her senior debut against South Africa.[42][49] She was a member of the New Zealand team that were silver medalists at the 2002 Commonwealth Games.[1][2][50] She was a prominent member of the New Zealand teams that won the 2003 World Netball Championships[51][52][53][54] and the 2006 Commonwealth Games.[1][55] Davu was highly regarded as an international goalkeeper. Australia head coach Norma Plummer was a big admirer. Ruth Aitken said Davu rated among the great New Zealand defenders such as Waimarama Taumaunu and Bernice Mene. In October 2005, she announced she was retiring from international netball.[9][56]

Fiji (2007)

[edit]

In 2006 and 2007, Davu served as head coach of Fiji.[18][57][58] She was head coach when Fiji won the gold medal at the 2007 South Pacific Games[59][60] She was player/coach for Fiji at the 2007 Netball World Championships.[37][38][60][61][62] Davu faced criticism for her performances at the tournament. She admitted her fitness and conditioning wasn't what it should have been, but emphasized she was only a late inclusion in the squad after visa issues ruled out some of the other members.[24][25][29]

Tournaments Place Team
1992 World Youth Netball Championships[2][41][37] 5th  Fiji
1993 South Pacific Mini Games[39][40] 3rd place, bronze medalist(s)
1995 South Pacific Games[39][40] 1st place, gold medalist(s)
1997 South Pacific Mini Games[39][40] 2nd place, silver medalist(s)
1999 South Pacific Games[39][40] 1st place, gold medalist(s)
1999 World Netball Championships[2][41][42][43] 6th
2002 Commonwealth Games[1][2][50] 2nd place, silver medalist(s)  New Zealand
2003 World Netball Championships[51][52][53][54] 1st place, gold medalist(s)
2006 Commonwealth Games[1][55] 1st place, gold medalist(s)
2007 World Netball Championships[37][38][42][60][61][62] 9th  Fiji

Employment

[edit]

Davu has worked as a recruitment consultant for Coverstaff in Auckland.[2][63]

Honours

[edit]

Playing career

[edit]
New Zealand
Fiji
Canterbury Flames
Northern Force

Coaching career

[edit]
Fiji
Individual Awards
Year Award
2000 Fijian Sportswoman of the Year
2002 Sport Canterbury Sports Personality of the Year
2014 Fiji Sports Hall of Fame[6]

Sources:[39][40]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f "Vilimaina Davu". www.olympic.org.nz. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Where is she now? Vilimaina Davu". www.newsroom.co.nz. 26 June 2023. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
  3. ^ "Fiji coach Vilimaina Davu mourns the death of her father". www.rnz.co.nz. 21 November 2007. Retrieved 29 October 2023.
  4. ^ "Davu's dad dies on airport arrival". stuff.co.nz. 21 November 2007. Retrieved 29 October 2023.
  5. ^ "Silver Fern Vili Davu's miracle daughter". The Australian Women's Weekly. www.nowtolove.co.nz. 14 November 2013. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
  6. ^ a b "Playing Silver Ferns A Bonus: Davu". Fiji Sun. 2 December 2014. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
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