Whitworth tennis player Marissa Kirk

Marissa Kirk's road to Whitworth has been a roller coaster. She was adopted from Guatemala when she was four months old. Prior to that, she was so malnourished from living in on orphanage she developed hip dysplasia, which she has had to deal with throughout her childhood. In high school she had major hip surgery and was in a wheelchair for a stretch. Last spring, her mom was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer and has been dealing with it for the past year. Now she's a senior starter for the Whitworth tennis team.

Section:Gallery

Tue., April 23, 2019

Whitworth tennis player Marissa Kirk warms up before a match with Pacific Lutheran.

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Whitworth tennis player Marissa Kirk practices her serve before a match with Pacific Lutheran.

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Whitworth tennis player Marissa Kirk warms up before a match with Pacific Lutheran.

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Whitworth tennis player Marissa Kirk warms up before a match.

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Whitworth tennis player Marissa Kirk, visits with her mother, Elle, before a match against Pacific Lutheran, April 19, 2019.

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Whitworth tennis player Marissa Kirk listens to her coach, Rachel Aldridge, left, during a senior day ceremony, Friday, April 19, 2019.

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Whitworth tennis player Marissa Kirk, center right, gathers with her team before playing Pacific Lutheran, Friday, April 19, 2019.

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Whitworth tennis player Marissa Kirk receives a hug from assistant coach Jennifer Adams during a senior day ceremony, Friday, April 19, 2019.

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Whitworth tennis player Marissa Kirk receives a memory racket during a senior day ceremony, Friday, April 19, 2019.

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Whitworth tennis player Marissa Kirk gather before playing Pacific Lutheran, Friday, April, 19, 2019.

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