Duluth Marshall alum Grace Kirk launches free girls basketball camp

In 2020 Grace Kirk helped lead the Duluth Marshall girls basketball team to the state tournament and to their program’s first ever-win on the state stage. While Covid would cancel that journey, she went on to join Brown University women’s basketball that winter.

Returning to the Northland this summer she launched two free girls basketball camps, the first tipped off Wednesday at Duluth’s Washington Center for girls grades 8-12.

“Arguably it’s been more than basketball. I think that was the goal when I wanted to design a camp. Basketball is the outlet it’s manifesting physically, but really it’s about community and it’s about uplift and empowerment for the girls. That’s what I’m about. I feel like that’s what I needed a lot of times when I was younger in Duluth and so that’s what I want to do today,” Kirk shared.

Kirk, a strong proponent for civil and women’s rights, said this camp is also a way to remind young girls they have a space in basketball.

“Definitely thinking about taking up space as women. I think a lot of times we tend to shrink ourselves. Today, throughout the day, I’ve been saying don’t shrink yourself, don’t be nervous, don’t hide in the back. Come forward, come to the front, volunteer, stand strong, stand firm,” Kirk said. “Take space, make space, and then move over for the next girl next to you.”

Day two of Grace Kirk’s camp is Thursday for girls grades 6-8. It runs from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Washington Center. It’s free for all area girls and lunch will be provided.