Dani Bolton in action at Geelong
Cambridge High School physical education teacher Dani Bolton was part of the victorious New Zealand Fistball Ferns side in Geelong, Australia on Anzac weekend.
Fistball is similar to volleyball but players use one fist rather than two hands.
It was Dani Bolton’s debut tournament for New Zealand. Photo: Luke Hemer
“This was my début tournament. A few of us girls welled up when we sang the national anthem and had a moment of silence for the Anzac troops,” Bolton said.
“I think every Kiwi kid dreams of representing New Zealand and I never thought that would be me, so it was a really special moment to share with my team.”
The grassed fistball field, at 50 metres by 20 metres, is twice the size of a colleyball court and the ball can bounce between the three hits before it’s back over the net to the other team.
The Fistball Ferns beat the Australian women’s team in the a three-match Trans-Tasman tournament, 2-1, to retain the Pavlova Plate at King Lloyd Reserve.
“Being my first tournament and coming away with the win meant that I’m totally hooked into the sport now plus always nice to get a victory over Aussie,” Bolton said. “I think because New Zealand has always had the plate and trophy, I wanted to make sure it came back home with us.”
Hamilton-based New Zealand Volley Ferns representative, Brieana Crosbie was also part of the team.
It was Crosbie who enticed Bolton into the sport.
Dani Bolton (number 21) with her victorious teammates. Photo: Supplied
“My good friend Brie has been playing for about six years. She invited me to a training session for the World Cup in Argentina – which I was unfortunately unable to go to,” Bolton said.
“From then I really enjoyed the sport and wanted to get more involved!
“I enjoy the team aspect. You really have to work together, as once you have touched the ball you can’t touch it again until it comes back over the net.
“I also love how different it is from anything I’ve ever done.”
Crosbie was selected in the women’s championship all-tournament team – agreed upon by the coaches of each team post tournament.
Proud mum Andrea Bolton said her daughter is a great role model for the girls at Cambridge High School.
“She’s resilient and fun, loaded with energy and caring,” Andrea said. “Dani takes students diving, surfing, kayaking, to play ultimate frisbee as well as all her other PE responsibilities.”
Bolton and Crosbie are looking to play again later in the year at the Asia-Pacific Fistball Championships in Prebbleton, near Christchurch.
“We have another tournament in November against Australia and hopefully some other teams from the Pacific and Japan, then the masters tournament in Brazil next year and world games the year after,” Bolton said.
“I am hoping that I am able to continue to play and help grow the sport.”
Dani Bolton in action at Geelong during Anzac weekend. Photo: Luke Hemer
