Student Athlete of the Week: Madison Ackerman

Madison Ackerman is the type of player head coach Todd Trobaugh wants in his Niwot High School girls basketball program.

While the senior only averages about two points per game, she plays energetic defense, lifts her teammates, and is coachable. Those three attributes and others have made Ackerman a valuable member of the Cougar team.

"She's not going to go out and be a great shooter, not going to be a great ball-handler, but she goes out and does the things you ask her to do on the court," Trobaugh said. "That's what she brings to the team."

Ackerman, a third-year varsity player, takes pride in her defense. Niwot has taken great strides defensively this season and has been rewarded with an 8-3 record through Jan. 12.

"I think I'm a good defender," said Ackerman, who tallied three steals in Niwot's win over Prairie View High School on Dec. 19. "I'm good at staying on my girl and making sure they don't get the ball. I'm also good at getting back fast when I need to help my team recover."

After winning only nine games in her first two varsity years combined, Ackerman has been elated with Niwot's turnaround this season. She credited the Cougars' improved team chemistry for guiding the resurgence.

"I'm so proud of my team," Ackerman said. "It's so amazing to watch how good they are and how good I know they're going to become.... We've had rough seasons before, but we've grown so much this season. We worked together and we communicate better, and we fit together like a puzzle."

Ackerman's senior year goals reflect her team-first mindset.

"The main goals I have for myself are to not get in my head when I'm struggling and to keep lifting everyone else up when I can tell they're getting in their heads," she said.

According to Trobaugh, Ackerman's lively personality often helps her teammates return to the proper headspace. The high school basketball season can be a grind, but Ackerman has the ability to relieve any team tension when necessary.

"She is an unusual individual, and I say that positively," Trobaugh said. "She certainly has a vibrant personality that will get the others motivated at times."

This spring, Ackerman will shift her attention to the soccer pitch. As a junior last season, she recorded three goals and one assist while helping Niwot reach the Class 4A state tournament.

Ackerman figures to play a big role this spring as one of Niwot's top returning soccer players.

"I'm so excited for soccer," Ackerman said. "We have so many new people on the team, and I can't wait to see how much that team has also grown. I'm excited to see what the communication is like on that team and how we work together."

After high school, Ackerman hopes to continue helping others in a different realm.

"I really want to become a pediatric surgeon or a trauma surgeon," said Ackerman, who's currently looking at colleges. "I've been working really hard in school to do that."