It’s been five years since Silver Fern legend Tania Dalton unexpectedly died from a brain aneyuresm. But her legacy still lives on in her 20-year-old daughter Tayla, who is following in her talented mum’s footsteps both on and off the court.
“Not a day goes by that I don’t think of Mum, but she wanted me to do what I love and chase my dreams – and that’s exactly what I’m doing,” says Tayla.
The young Kiwi lives in San Francisco, where she is playing division-one basketball and studying for a business degree on a scholarship at St Mary’s College. It’s a busy life – two basketball games and at least 20 hours of physical training per week, plus her classes and studying. But Tayla is copying Tania’s example and cramming life full of the things and people she loves.
“I’m getting the best of both worlds,” she asserts. “I’m able to study something I’m really passionate about and I get to travel while playing the sport I love at such a high level too.”
Her mum was a sharp shooter on the netball court and a commentator on Sky TV, but Tania was also renowned for her love of helping others. It’s a value she and husband Duane instilled in Tayla and her brothers Charlie and Matthew.
This story is from the May 16, 2022 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 16, 2022 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Wax lyrical SHINE BRIGHT
We're not blowing smoke! These easy projects will light up your rooms in a jiffy
Mum's hero team GIVING GIGI A FLYING CHANCE
Twice her daughter has needed life-saving treatment
Call the midwife AROHA'S SPECIAL DELIVERIES
The maternity carer wants more pregnant mums to have the traditional Māori birth experienc
Winning his Queen back FRED & MARY'S TOUR OF LOVE
There's a lot riding on the royal couple's anniversary cruise
The winner TAKES IT ALL!
Five decades on from Abba's Arrival, we're still saying Thank You For the Music
The show must go on! TAYLA'S LIVING HER DREAM
From opera to operations, the young Kiwi performer is unstoppable
From Russia with love 'ADVENTURE'S IN MY BLOOD'
Victoria's glad she took the leap of faith, even though it was a desperate act
Marata's supporting role 'NIKKI'S THE REAL WARRIOR'
The league star pays tribute to his soulmate who lives with a painful condition
Stronger than ever WILLS & KATE'S ENDURING LOVE
Through all life's challenges, the royal soulmates are there for each other
Four kids and a party JESSE'S BRINGING THE FUN!
The TV host is dancing to his own beat when it comes to fatherhood and fame