Kelsey Carter and her new teammates pose for a photo after Carter signed onto the Maine Maritime Academy women’s basketball team on October 3. Courtesy of MMA
Castine—When a doctor says the words “genetic disorder” and “lifelong diagnosis” about a child, it can cause even the strongest of people and families to lose hope for a normal life.
Tough as it has been, 14-year-old Kelsey Carter never backed down from the fight. The Blue Hill resident and George Stevens Academy freshman has lived with an unnamed, rare genetic disorder that has caused physical, mental and emotional issues, and multiple medical conditions. She and her parents, Jackie and Paul, and her sisters, have traveled around the country for testing, visits with various doctors, and consultations, all without answers. Carter was finally diagnosed four years ago, with a genetic defect called 7q 11.23 duplication syndrome.
“This means that on her seventh chromosome, the lower portion, she has a section of extra DNA pieces,” said Jackie. “Instead of one set from mom and one set from dad, she has a whole extra set in that region called the Williams-Beuren critical region.”
The whole thing is technical, and while it has caused Carter some developmental struggles, and days of frustration and delay, the 14-year-old is just like any other high school freshman. The only other difference? Carter recently became a member of the Maine Maritime Academy women’s basketball team.
The academy held an official contract signing for Carter on October 3, in front of her family, friends, and the entire women’s basketball roster and coaching staff. The event happened in coordination with Team IMPACT out of Massachusetts, an organization that pairs young athletes living with serious and chronic illness with college athletic programs.
“I was speaking with another mother about Kelsey one evening, our daughters both have the same genetic disorder,” said Jackie. “I was talking about a lot of issues we were having, and my friend mentioned how much her daughter’s involvement with Team IMPACT had improved her quality of life. She sent me the link and told me I should apply for Kelsey. Within 48 hours of doing the online application, I received a call from them, stating they were happy to bring Kelsey aboard and get her matched with a team. I was so excited.”
When Carter was initially accepted into the program, there were not any local colleges involved in the program. Team IMPACT contacted Maine Maritime Academy officials, who instantly accepted the invitation to participate. Carter’s mother said the family was “thrilled,” as her husband was born in Castine, her grandfather worked at the academy, and the family has many connections and friends there.
Signing with the women’s basketball team was a big deal for Carter, as basketball has been her favorite sport since she was a young girl. She grew up watching her older sister, Mackenzie, play basketball, and played in rec leagues through most of her grade school years. In sixth grade, Carter got bad news from her heart doctor, who informed her that due to concerns about the heart defect associated with her genetic disorder, she would no longer be able to play the sport she loved.
“It was heartbreaking for Kelsey,” said her mom.
Signing with the Mariners now gives Kelsey a chance to be back on the court and suit up, even if she still will not be able to participate in game play. As part of the team, she will be able to attend practices, sit on the bench during home games, and be part of a team again.
“She is very excited to wear a basketball uniform again and cheer from the bench,” said Jackie.
For her mom, having her daughter be able to have a positive experience after going through so much is the best part about this story.
“As a mom, you always want the best for your kids,” she said. “This experience so far has already carried into her daily school life, opening new friendships that are not judgmental and truly look out for her. I am so excited to watch her personality come through in ways her family has never seen.”