Steel coach Robyn Broughton admired the leadership qualities both players had developed while representing the south in netball's top echelon, and said they both worked well together.
Next year will mark Frew's 10th in the elite franchise ranks, while Leota (nee Barrett-Chase) first ventured south to join the Southern Sting in 2007.
Steel vice-captain for the past two years and a former Southland provincial team captain, Frew said assuming the leadership role was a "dream".
"Being a proud Southlander, it's always been a dream of mine to lead the team and I'm really looking forward to doing that with La - I think we will complement each other's strengths really well," the tenacious midcourter said.
"It's a huge honour but there's a lot of work that has to go in behind the scenes as well."
Leota said: "We've been together as teammates so long it's really just taking another step up and guiding a team and that's really exciting.
"It will be a cool job to have, especially with Wenz by my side. With double headers and a condensed season, it would be a huge role for just one person so we will be able to share the load."
Leota admits her elevation to captain came as a surprise.
"I knew there would be some more responsibility this year but I wasn't expecting this," she said.
The Steel finished fourth this year and lost the minor semifinal to the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic.
