Clarkston alum Kira Karlstrom has been up to big things on the basketball court ? despite her 5?4? frame.
Karlstrom, a sophomore at Drexel, was named the Dragons most improved player and also garnered the Steve Sher Academic Award for her work on and off the hardwood this past season.
‘A lot of people told me my size would be an issue,? said Karstrom.
Karlstrom was forced into the starting lineup when the Drexel team lost starter Jackie Falson in the fifth game of the season. Karlstrom responded to the increased role by raising her scoring average by five points per game, was second on the team in assists and third in steals.
Though Karlstrom is the shortest listed player in the Colonial Athletic Conference, she ranked third on the team in rebounding with an average of 3.9 rebounds per game.
On the academic side of things, Karlstrom has culled a 3.39 GPA as a graphic design major.
?(My course work) is not book work, so it is hard to take on the road,? said Karlstrom.
When asked about influences on her collegiate career, Karlstrom pointed directly back to Clarkston High School.
‘I think having Ann (Lowney) as a coach really helped me,? said Karlstrom, who still talks to her former coach.
Karlstrom specifically pointed out that Lowney, the former varsity womens basketball coach at CHS, helped prepare her for college especially in the conditioning area.
Having helped Drexel to a 19-10 record this year, Karlstrom is hoping to continue improving with the team next year.
‘Next year we are going to be a lot better. We are going to be a lot more experienced,? said Karlstrom.
Her dedication to the Drexel program will not leave Karlstrom with much time in her hometown over the next few months. She hopes to be home for a week in June, but due to Drexel’s tri-mester scheduling and summer baskeball conditioning, Karlstrom does not expect to be home again until Christmas.