Warren’s Kamaria Anderson rarely dwells on negative outcomes on the basketball court.
The 5-foot-7 sophomore has been diagnosed with alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss, but she has come to realize that no single thing defines her. Basketball helped her see the bigger picture.
“Basketball is life, and it has taught me about self-belief and to have the strength to overcome problems and the courage to stand out, even when feeling different,” she said.
Anderson said she has had alopecia areata “all my life,” but the symptoms worsened in eighth grade and made her transition to high school difficult.
“I would isolate myself and be sad about my hair,” she said. “My mother and father were there for me and helped me get through it. I also had basketball. It was therapy for me.”
Anderson’s mother Shamika Henry, who has been a licensed hairstylist for 10 years, was involved in preparing a rotation of wigs for her. Henry said Anderson has shown tremendous resiliency.
“It has been challenging to raise a daughter with alopecia,” Henry said. “There have been countless mornings and nights where I’ve had to hold it together for her, showing her how to stay strong and beautiful despite it all. Through it all, I’m so incredibly proud of the person she has become.”
Anderson has also become a key building block for the Blue Devils (3-18, 1-8), who have struggled in the North Suburban Conference. She’s averaging 6.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.9 steals in her first varsity season.
“Kamaria is a well-rounded player who can play any position,” Warren coach Jennifer Swanson said. “She is an aggressive guard and plays tough defense. Offensively, she drives to the basket well and finishes around the rim.
“Kamaria brings intensity on defense and turns it into her offense. She gets a lot of steals for us and turns steals into points.”
Warren junior guard Faith Ohlsen emphasized Anderson’s effort, which is never lacking.
“Kamaria is arguably one of the most talented and hardworking players on the team,” Ohlsen said. “She also has an admirably humble posture and is constantly looking for ways she can improve as a player and a teammate.”
Anderson keeps opponents on their toes, according to Ohlsen.
“Kamaria is always pushing the pace of the game because of her speed and agility, which creates opportunities to score and makes it difficult for the other team to keep up,” Ohlsen said.
Anderson, who is an honor roll student, scored 22 points while handling point guard duties in the Blue Devils’ loss to Plainfield East on Dec. 28. She likes that role.
“I want to be a point guard,” she said. “I need to get my handles better. I like that you can see the floor, you get your teammates involved and they can score. I felt more dominant and just felt good.”
Anderson intends to continue to improve as a player.
“My work ethic has gotten me to this point,” she said. “I work my tail off in practice and put in extra work outside of practice. I know I have a bright future.”
That self-confidence didn’t come easy for Anderson.
“I learned to be me,” she said. “My heart now feels less heavy and lighter. I feel strong and am not stuck in my cocoon.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
