Pulling on the black dress and playing against some of the world’s best rising stars at the Netball Youth World Cup will do that to you.
‘‘It was the best, honestly,’’ Daunakamakama said about representing New Zealand in Gibraltar last year.
‘‘From what everyone else was telling us before, when we got ex-21s players in and them telling us that it was the highlight of their career — I can understand why now.’’
While New Zealand finished as runners-up to Australia at the tournament, seeing different pathways and connecting with players from across the world — from South Africa to Malaysia — opened her eyes.
‘‘It definitely challenges my skill set. I definitely have to get creative with the way I need to play.
‘‘Coming from that back into a New Zealand setting, I guess, helped because now I know I have developed ... different skill sets to combat different styles of play.
‘‘It’s nice to know that nothing really is a surprise.’’
Playing alongside Silver Fern Amelia Walmsley — who captained the under-21 and returned to the national team — helped elevate Daunakamakama’s game.
She also rubs shoulders with Silver Fern midcourter Kimiora Poi at the Southern Steel and getting to link up with one the country’s best again this season had been great.
‘‘I never thought I’d be playing alongside someone like Kimi,’’ Daunakamakama said.
‘‘Last year was all about creating connections and this year I think it’s about building on that foundation that we set.
‘‘It’s really exciting that things are coming along and we’re able to have more two-way conversations as well.
‘‘She’s really really good at being able to lead as well as ... [hearing] other people’s vibes and perspective.’’
Daunakamakama, 22, is in her third year with the Steel — she joined in 2024 as an injury replacement — and was enjoying her role.
‘‘I’m really enjoying the environment as well, because I’m a bit more confident, a bit more familiar and I’m kind of expecting what’s coming at me, so it’s not as daunting.’’
The Steel are looking to bounce back quickly after a disappointing 55-42 loss to the Mainland Tactix in their opening game last week.
‘‘It’s not the type of start we wanted.
‘‘We don’t want to lose in the way we did.
‘‘We want to walk away with a performance we can be proud of and last week we just did not do that for ourselves.’’
Heading into their clash against the Northern Stars in Invercargill this afternoon, the Steel needed to dump last week’s performance and continue to grow, she said.
The Steel’s rivalry against the Stars has produced some interesting results in recent years.
The Stars have won 14 of the 27 games, but the Steel have won the past six games in Invercargill against the Stars and won both games in 2025.
But the Stars looked slick last week in their 63-59 win against the Northern Mystics — their first win against cross-town rivals in three years.
The new shooting combination of Walmsley and Martina Salmon was deadly, missing just the four goals collectively and nailing three two-pointers.
Daunakamakama was clear in how the Steel needed to improve.
‘‘For us it’s connection and trusting each other and trusting our process.
‘‘It’s about making sure everyone is comfortable to demand things from each other and are all on the same page.
‘‘Obviously we want to go out there and put a performance out that we’re proud of as well as get the results.’’
Stars midcourter Claire O’Brien will play her 50th ANZ Premiership game today.
The Magic host the Mystics tonight, while the Pulse play the Tactix tomorrow in a top-of-the-table clash.
