The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

KATRINKA Marshall, one of the top scoring officials in local basketball, who helped to groom her two daughters to follow in her footsteps, died on Saturday after a long illness.

Marshall, 53, was employed with the Sports Division in the Ministry of Education since July 2019 after she left Garvin Tynes Primary School where she served as a physical education teacher for a number of years.

Rupert Gardiner, one of the officials in the ministry, extended condolences to the Marshall family on behalf of the Sports Unit, headed by Evon Wisdom.

Said Rochelle Kemp, head of the group of females who officiate basketball games in all of the local sporting leagues, from men and women night leagues as well as the government schools:

“She has served as secretary and tale official for both the Bahamas Government Departmental Basketball Association and New Providence Basketball Association,” Kemp said.

“Our condolences go out to her family, especially her two daughters, Kiara and Kylah Marshall.”

The younger Kylah Marshall, who graduated from St John’s College last year, also played on the Giants senior girls’ basketball team. She is now enrolled at Acadia University in Canada, but is at home doing online courses because of COVID-19.

Christine Cunningham, who worked together with Marshall in scoring games for the NPBA, said her close friend will surely be missed. She was among a group of friends consoling the daughters at home.

“She has contributed a lot to the field of basketball. Her heart was committed and she was dedicated to the sport,” Cunninghm said. “I think she will be greatly missed.

“Our heart, love and support go out to the family, but we knew she fought a good fight. I pray that she will rest in peace.”

Government Secondary Schools Sports Association president Varel Davis said Marshall was a great person and physical education teacher who loved her students.

“A very good friend of mine, I am lost for words,” Davis said. “When you think about Katrinka, these things come to mind - hard worker and always willing to assist in any way possible.

“She will never tell you no. She will find a way to help you. I could depend on her whenever I call her. She was always available.”

Although she was a PE Teacher, Marshall also served as the GSSSA statistician in basketball and volleyball. She also assisted in softball.

“You could always count on her,” Davis said. “She trained her two daughters, Kiara and Kylah, as statisticians for the GSSSA and many other leagues.

“On behalf of the GSSSA, we would like to send heartfelt condolences to the family of Katrinka Marshall, especially her daughters, Kiara and Kylah Marshall. May her soul rest in peace.”

Marshall was a member of the 1984 graduating class of St Augustine’s College where she participated in basketball.

She and her daughters also served as table officials for the Baptist Sports Council along with referee Van Hutchinson.

The BSC also joined the other sporting bodies in extending its condolences to Marshall’s family.