Dan Grida brings the energy to Girls in the Game at Berkeley
13 Oct 2026
1
min read


Girls in the Game returned to Illawarra Sports Stadium in Berkeley on Tuesday 6th October, and Hawks fan favourite Daniel Grida turned up ready to play.
Delivered in partnership with Greater Bank, the two-hour clinic was open to girls aged 5 to 12 at every skill level. Some had never held a basketball. Some play every weekend. From 1:30pm to 3:30pm, they all did the same thing: played.
Dan Grida, Hype Man
Dan came down in a Girls in the Game tee and didn’t stand still all afternoon. He fired up the youngest group before their drills, handed out high-fives down the line and finished with a marker in hand, signing the girls’ shirts.
For plenty of the girls on court, it was the first time they had met a Hawks player up close. For Dan, it was three days out from back-to-back home games against Tasmania and Cairns, and he still made the time to be there.

Coached by Women Who Play
The promise behind Girls in the Game hasn’t changed. Girls only. Female coaches. Built for beginners without boring the girls who already play.
Our coaches worked in small groups all afternoon, so nobody got lost at the back of a line. Every girl had a ball, and the skills went straight into games the same afternoon, which is the part the kids rate highest every time.
Watching a five-year-old who walked in nervous leave asking when the next one is, that’s exactly why we run this.”
Maddy Delaney, Community Engagement Coordinator

Why We Keep Running It
Basketball doesn’t get talked about as a girls’ sport in this region. That’s the real barrier, and it’s fixable. Every clinic puts more girls on court, more confidence in their hands and more reasons to come back.
Families told us after our July holiday programs that they agreed: 90% said they would come again, and they rated how the day was run 4.7 out of 5.
Want to see Dan in red and black?
The Hawks are back at WIN Entertainment Centre on Thursday 22nd October against the Sydney Kings.
Get Her in the Game
Every player starts with one first shot. Registration details for the next clinic go to the Hawks email list first, so get on it now and she won’t miss out.

Girls in the Game is delivered in partnership with Greater Bank, who back this program because more girls in Illawarra basketball is worth backing.
STRONGER. LOUDER. TOGETHER.

23 Oct
Hawks Vs United Game Day Preview

22 Oct
Wani to play 150th NBL Game at home against United

19 Oct
Hawks Vs Taipan's Post Game Wrap

16 Oct
Illawarra Hawks unveil NBL25 Indigenous Jersey

15 Oct
The Illawarra Hotel - Official Watch Party Venue

14 Oct
Hawks bounce back in front of home fans

10 Oct
City Motors Group, continues their partnership with the Illawarra Hawks

10 Oct
IAMS host Hawks at NAIDOC event

9 Oct
Hawks secure the final development player spot for the NBL25 Season with Kobe McDowell-White
18 Sep
Hopes Rise Together at Illawarra Hawks for NBL25

9 Sep
Tickets on sale now for Illawarra's Ultimate Night Out

3 Sep
Complete the Survey to win!

3 Sep
Hawks Secure the Final Piece of the Puzzle with Star Import

23 Aug
ILLAWARRA HAWKS TO INTRODUCE NEW SIGNATURE COMMUNITY PROGRAM

22 Aug
Greater Bank backs the Illawarra Hawks

16 Aug
The Hawks are thrilled to welcome the Shanghai Sharks to the Illawarra
Support your team with the latest gear
Grab your latest team releases before they're gone.

Get the latest Team Updates
Breaking news & special offers. Direct to your inbox.

