Kate Ackerman

Kate Ackerman had a decision to make. While still mourning the sudden loss of her brother the day before, Ackerman had to decide if she would compete in the state bowling championship just three days later. It was an understandably difficult time for Ackerman and her family in the wake of her brother’s suicide. No one would blame her if she decided to stay home from competition.

“People were surprised I even went to school,” Ackerman said. “But I wanted to be with my friends, being around them helped. My coach, Mrs. Golden, said ‘we’ll support you no matter what.’”

But in that moment, Ackerman said there was only option for her. “I decided I wanted to go compete because I made a commitment to my team,” she said. “I felt like I wanted to go and compete at states.”

The fact that Ackerman even have had the chance to compete at the state championship was special. She had came up six pins short of making the team but she was called to fill in on the squad after another athlete dropped out.

Given the opportunity and her unique circumstance, Ackerman made the most of the moment. She bowled a total of 1487 to take the first place medal. She accomplished this averaging 248 pins over 6 games at the State Tournament, 37 pins above her average. She set etched her name in the state record book by placing second for 6 game high series with a total of 1487 pins at the state tournament and a third place slot for 3 game high series.

There is a saying, “When thrown to the wolves. Come out the pack leader.” That is how I describe grit and determination to my athletes,” Maple Hill Athletic Director April Hill said. “Kate proved that she has more grit than anyone this bowling season.”

Ackerman added that gold medal to her already long list of accolades from her career. In additional to being named to the USA Today national top 25 list, she was the Times Union Girls Bowling Athlete of the Year and earned the Hal Bieber scholarship from the Albany chapter of the United States Bowling Congress.

It may be hard to believe that bowling wasn’t even Ackerman’s top sport until later in high school. She was a strong pitcher on the softball diamond, making the varsity team in eighth grade. Though she was getting some interest from college softball coaches, she decided to reach out to collegiate bowling coaches to see if they had any interest as well.

“I told my parents on Christmas day that I was going to reach out to bowling coaches, just to see if I get any responses,” she said. “Surprisingly, I got a ton of responses.” Ackerman would go on to sign her National Letter of Intent to bowl at Niagara.

“Kate has demonstrated a willingness to learn, work hard and strive for success,” Maple Hill head coach Sheila Golden said. “Kate embraced the personal commitment and drive required to succeed in bowling and as a result, practiced with enthusiasm and diligence each day. There is no doubt in my mind that the Kate will continue with the same determination and work ethic as she continues her bowling career at Niagara.

A scholar athlete and high honor role member, Ackerman also found success in the classroom. She was chosen by her teachers and peers as the recipient of the Outstanding Senior award.

Ackerman was also chosen by the staff at Maple Hill to mentor middle school students that will soon be making the jump to high school. With her success in the alley and in the classroom, Ackerman is an easy role model for aspiring Wildcats.

“I tell them I’ve been in your shoes, I’m not just going to tell you it’s hard,” she said. “I have experience, I want to make every underclassman feel welcome and supported. Especially during sports since we compete as a small school, those young players can help the team a lot.”

Ackerman also seven formal dresses, two prom dresses, and 3 pairs of formal heels to Cinderella’s Closet, which allows students in need to pick out free dresses for their proms. Giving back to the community was important to Ackerman but is even more important after the support she received after her family’s loss.

“I wanted to give back to the community especially since my brother’s passing,” she said. “They’ve supported me and have done so much for me and everyone around me. I want to be there for them. Receiving this award confirms all of the sacrifices my family and I have made to make sure I have every tool to succeed academically and athletically,” she said. “I am grateful for my parents allowing me the opportunity to play the sports that I enjoy.”