Get to know Maine South basketball player Kaden Karstens
PARK RIDGE, Ill. — Kaden Karstens, a Senior on the Varsity Men鈥檚 Basketball team at Maine South, has been refining his athletic skills since kindergarten. After his early years of practicing basketball in house leagues, Kaden moved on to competitive travel leagues by the fourth grade. His polished maneuvers and intelligent gameplay not only earned him a spot as a Varsity starter by his Junior year at Maine South, but was also named Team Captain for his Senior season.
This motivated shooting guard takes his role as Team Captain seriously. 鈥淚 try to stay positive around my teammates under all circumstances. I like to lead by example, and since I鈥檓 the Captain it feels like I set the example for the other kids on the team during practice and games,鈥� tells Kaden. He makes a point to always be available as a reliable support to his team both on and off the court.
After all, it鈥檚 the community basketball brings with it that makes Kaden so passionate about the sport. 鈥淚t鈥檚 like a second family to me. I know I can go to the players and coaches if I ever need anything. I like the community built within the sport and creating strong bonds with teammates that can last a lifetime,鈥� Kaden explains.
When Kaden steps foot on the court, he never forgets where he came from. 鈥淢y parents introduced me to every sport I ever played, so I go out and play for them. Because I wouldn鈥檛 be where I am right now without them,鈥� he says gratefully. While on the court, Kaden is supported by his coaches; Coach Wehman, Coach Young and Coach Burke. 鈥淚鈥檝e spent a lot of time with Coach Wehman over summer and fall and have learned a lot about not only basketball but life. Coach Wehman has always brought energy wherever he goes. My favorite thing about him is that he believes in me and the team. Coach Young has taught me a lot about shooting and being calm. Coach Burke is 鈥榯he energizer bunny鈥� of the team, he鈥檚 always in a positive mood and pushes everyone to their fullest potential.鈥�
The Varsity Hawks have faced a tough schedule so far this season, but Kaden says the team is learning through their mistakes. 鈥淲e鈥檝e played multiple top 10 teams and have held our own against them. We鈥檙e also a very young team with limited varsity experience so as the season goes on we鈥檒l continue to grow.鈥� Kaden is training hard for the upcoming game against Niles North, who beat Maine South in the playoffs last year. He loves any opportunity to play in a great competition and test his physical and mental abilities within the sport.
In addition to basketball, Kaden works hard at his academics, earning a 4.2GPA. After graduating from Maine South, Kaden hopes to attend a four-year university to major in Business, Engineering, Sales Management or Petroleum Engineering. He hopes his hard work will pay off so he can attend his dream school, Texas A&M.
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