On New Year's Eve, former Lady Griz Malia Kipp passed away. The news affected many within the Lady Griz including former Lady Griz teammate Megan Harrington. Harrington played for the Lady Griz from 1995-2000 and was fortunate enough to play alongside Kipp during the 1995-1996 season.

Who was Montana Lady Griz Malia Kipp?

"Malia was a senior when I was a redshirt senior, so really became connected through the documentaries [A House That Rob Built and Native Ball: Legacy of a Trailblazer]," explained Harrington. "There was a newspaper article, I'm always reminded of this, it had a picture of her and said 'Kipp Quietly Gets It Done.' She just quietly got it done. That was just her way."

 

Credit: The House That Rob Built Moive on YouTube
Credit: The House That Rob Built Movie on YouTube
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Kipp's death left many stunned and saddened.

"Such a deep and profound loss, as death often is. A big hole in the Lady Griz family and certainly her own family as well," said Harrington.

After their playing days, Harrington went on to produce documentaries The House That Rob Built and Native Ball: Legacy of a Trailblazer, the film highlighting Kipp making history. A documentary that brought Harrington and Kipp back together.

"It's not something she's comfortable with [being interviewed and the featured subject]. Not something being in the spotlight, not comfortable being the center of attention but she was really wonderful."

 

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In such a melancholy story, there's a shred of light emerging. The University of Montana is naming a scholarship to honor Kipp.

 

"It's really beautiful that they're doing a scholarship in honor of Malia Kipp in collaboration with the Kipp family... There's not details on what that looks like, the parameters, but those are in the works. If anybody is interested in helping champion that scholarship it would be contacting Dan Ingram [With the Grizzly Scholarship Association at the University of Montana.]

Last weekend was the Lady Griz' N7 day, where they wear turquoise to promote Native American youth getting involved in sports. It was fitting that the LG honored Malia in the pregame and came away with the win.

 

 

Listen to the full interview with Harrington below on The Daily Drive With Ace Sauerwein. 

 

 

Montana Lady Griz 2024-2025 Schedule

Gallery Credit: Ace Sauerwein

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