Martyce Kimbrough give instructions during a Basketball Camp at Lima Central Catholic High School Tuesday afternoon.
Richard Parrish | The Lima News
LIMA — The love of sports has passed through generations of athletes for one local family. Martyce Kimbrough began his career after watching family members from a young age and never gave up pursuing his dreams. Kimbrough now inspires young athletes to grow, learn and “Stick to the Plan.”
“I was just kind of born into basketball,” Kimbrough said. “My mom is a basketball mom she loves watching and talking about basketball. My older brother, dad and uncle played basketball. My grandfather played division one football at Iowa State. I always just had a genuine love and passion for basketball.”
Kimbrough graduated from Lima Central Catholic High School in 2014 and played for the University of Findlay and the University of Indianapolis. Following college graduation, Kimbrough played in many countries including France and Spain to continue to pursue the game.
He now hosts an annual camp for the next generation of athletes. Students are invited to play with one another, engage in competition and receive coaching.
“First off, you’re gonna get a lot of great coaching and knowledge from professional basketball players because I pride myself I have a professional player that much that along with these athletes,” Kimbrough said. “This year, I had Charlie Ernst who is the head men’s basketball coach at the University of Findlay and Courtney Peay who is the head women’s basketball coach at Defiance College. I brought them here to give the youth different voices they can learn from to help them.”
Kimbrough said the young athletes participating in the camp learn various skills and become more confident in the game they play.
“We pride ourselves on being professional, getting better and influencing the kids,” Kimbrough said. “(While at the camp) You’re also gonna have fun. We plant seeds of hard work and what it takes to become successful.”
For more information on private coaching or future camps reach Martyce Kimbrough at [email protected].
Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.
