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player ready...Carmel senior center Keira Ackerson goes toe-to-toe with tough opponents on the court all the time.
But her perseverance begins off the court. Ackerson has celiac disease, which causes an immune reaction to the consumption of gluten. Over time, that immune reaction damages the small intestine’s lining and leads to other complications.
“I have to be really aware of my health and my diet all the time,” she said. “I’m very cautious on my own. It’s unfortunate how easily something can affect my performance.”
Her mother, Alanna Ackerson, a nurse at Endeavor Health, said any changes to Keira’s strict diet can make her sick.
“It has been limiting at times with her inability to gain weight,” Alanna Ackerson said. “Managing cross-contamination is a constant challenge, so she needs to be extremely careful because any incidental exposure will knock her down for days. Her body attacks itself, and it manifests with joint pain, headaches and extreme fatigue.”
Keira Ackerson said she has slept for more than 20 hours at a time when she was sick.
“I don’t really trust most places when ordering food to avoid sapping my energy, giving me headaches or feeling weak and shaky,” she said. “When I get sick, I might miss several days of school in a row, so I’m always making sure to take care of myself and eating properly.”
Ackerson’s diligence is one reason she has made such a smooth transition for the Corsairs (14-12) this season. A first-time starter, the 5-foot-11 Ackerson moved from guard to the post after the 6-4 Jordan Wood and the 6-1 Mia Gillis graduated and is averaging 9.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.0 steals.
Ackerson scored 19 points against Joliet Catholic, 18 points each against Simeon and Geneva, and 17 points each against Lake Forest Academy and St. Viator. Carmel won each of those games.
“We had so much size on the back line the last three years but don’t have it this year,” Carmel coach Ben Berg said. “Keira is not a center — maybe a stretch four who can shoot the 3-pointer. She has had to guard multiple positions this year.”
Ackerson said she relies on her intelligence and guile to establish good position around the basket.
“I found out in the fall that I would play in the post, so I didn’t have that much time to prepare or that much time to put on a lot of muscle,” she said. “I use my speed to get around them or in front of them. I just have to be (aware) of keeping them off the glass and defending them. Boxing out is in the forefront of my mind.”
Carmel senior guard Ashley Schlabowske, a three-year starter, said Ackerson has adjusted well.
“Keira is always someone we can rely on to hit a shot when we need it and to make the right play, but she has really taken a big step in her game playing the four and five spots for us,” Schlabowske said. “She can pivot, face the basket and shoot it if she’s open or make a good pass. Her post defense has taken a big stride.”
Ackerson also works as a tutor at Mathnasium, has a 4.3 GPA and scored a 32 on the ACT. Her resilience allows her to balance her busy schedule, according to her mother.
“Keira doesn’t let anything hold her back,” Alanna Ackerson said. “Keira is a fierce competitor and leader on and off the court. She’s dedicated to her academics and sports.
“Not many kids could handle the rigorous academics with all the time and intensity required, but she puts 100% into her coursework, sports, work, and volunteer and tutoring commitments, and manages to balance it all.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.
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