Sometimes you get to grow both for and with a netball club. For Alex Bolton, the Sutherland Stingrays stalwart, this statement rings true.
Having debuted for the Sutherland side in the inaugural year of the Origin Energy Premier League in 2016, she’s grown from a talented rookie into a leader.
“I started playing for Stingrays in 2016 just after my final junior reps,” she says.
“As the youngest in the team, I learnt a lot from Sutherland’s competitive environment and from older, stronger and fitter girls than myself. I also had the privilege of working with many talented coaches.
“Fast forward to 2022 and I have captained over the last three seasons… I have played with, learnt from and watched my friends develop.
“I’ve been here so long that I’ve started to think of my team - and some of the girls I have played with for years - as my family.”
So, what is it about the Stingrays setup that keeps Bolton coming back for more?
“I think I’ve stayed here so long just because I really feel as if I have a role here, license to bring in my own experience and at the same time, get on the court and play against some very competitive teams!”
Despite being in the Premier League since its inception, Bolton is still playing in the Under 23s Division, a testament to how much she’s achieved at such a young age. And captaining the Stingrays 23s is a role she’s embracing.
“My team is incredibly strong and confident in our game and we all have the same mindset, game plan and motivation,” she says.
“I think we are doing very well this season and it can totally be attributed to enjoying our time at training and on the court, working hard and having fun while doing it!
“We have managed to create a really positive, fun and intense environment that allows us to communicate and play for ourselves and for each other! I honestly believe that playing netball for the competitiveness and tenacity in each of us has really driven us towards a constructive and fun team environment.
“Being captain has been such a privilege over the past few seasons but I definitely enjoy working both with my girls and the coaches together.
“I absolutely love working with my other leadership teammates, Rylee Towel and Emma Smith, two girls who have played with for many years (Rylee and I played 13 reps together!).”
On game day Bolton is quick to downplay the important role she has as captain. To be successful you need strong leadership, but she’s not one to blow her own trumpet.
“My role as captain on game day is pretty simple, win the toss! (not, always the case),” she jokes.
“I also manage the timing and running of pre-hab, warm up, ball skills and drills. The best part on game day is calling the cheer.”
As with many pathway netballers, Bolton is also shining off the court and is currently pursuing a Masters in Occupational Therapy after completing a Bachelor of Pre-Medicine, Science and Health last year. Not bad given her netball commitments too.
“I have always really enjoyed science and pathology,” she says.
“My pre-med degree was a last-minute choice that taught me so much about the way our body functions, moves and the impact of pathophysiology.
“I chose to do my Masters in OT because I really enjoy interacting with people and I want to help people get back to what they enjoy most, whether it be sport, work or hobbies.
“I believe that it’s very important to recover from adversity and bring ourselves back to the roles that bring meaning to our lives.
“Occupational therapy is a valuable tool to give individuals back something that they lost. This could mean helping someone learn to walk again. I really think I have the opportunity to impact people’s lives.”
Who knows? Bolton may one day be responsible for getting a netballer, that’s endured a trauma, back to the game they love. Despite so many years of playing, netball remains a huge part of her life.
“Netball has always been a passion for me,” she adds.
“I truly could not think of a better way to spend my time than the adrenaline rush from an intercept or beating someone in a sprint.
“Netball for me is a great way to release stress, take my mind off of everything else and just play. I’ve simply been playing so long, just because I love it.”
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the best reason to hit a netty court.
Well played Alex!
