Turner was awarded the scholarship, named after the late Silver Ferns World champion, in 2020 having missed out when she applied in 2019. The Tania Dalton Foundation aims to award 12 scholarships each year. The Scholarships support the recipients over a three-year period providing financial assistance, one-on-one mentoring support and personal development opportunities.“It’s had a profound impact on me,” Turner said. “I’m a shy person so it’s helped boost my confidence in public speaking. The life lessons around diet, training, and teamwork have been massive. “I’m very grateful to have had Suzy McAsey as a mentor. She’s an ex New Zealand volleyball player and a great person. It’s fair to say that I’m a different person now.” The growth in self-belief has seen the 18 year-old debut for Northland in the Farah Palmer Cup this year. In her first match against Tasman she played first five-eighth and scored a try in a 29-10 victory. Unfortunately, Northland was beaten 10-39 by Otago last Saturday, but Turner covered fullback. “That first game was pretty scary, I’m used to playing halfback. It wasn’t too bad for a first go. I got a few runs which I enjoyed. I like getting out on the edge and running a bit. “It was pretty cool scoring a try. In fact I was bloody stoked.” Click the link to read more.
