The ball swished through the net as sounds of clanging rang around the gymnasium as the Basketball player’s shoes hit the ground.
Mack Adams is an athlete, but not just any athlete. Adams was born with congenital disabilities that forced him to have double leg amputations, as well as amputations on his index fingers and thumbs.
Growing up in Sparwood, British Columbia, Adams was seen in a different light, as kids in school saw him as less of an athlete because of his condition. Some of Adams’ teammates believed he could not keep up with them because he was different. The skepticism, however, did not stop him from playing sports. Adams believes that was a big step for him as an athlete.
“Over the years, you realize amputations really change the game for you. Having a sport with people who had a lot of leg strength were ones I decided to play. So, it was a big jump going from sledge hockey and wheelchair basketball into being the first amputee standing in Vancouver for provincials,” said Adams.
For Adams, basketball was a way of life. It began in junior high when he would be found in the gym before 9 am classes while after school as he was working on his all-around game. Adams felt pressure when he played sports because he was different as the players believed that he had to play up to the level of the other players. Adams said sports were his way of coping with his condition and depression as he also played goalie in hockey, third base in softball and all over the field in soccer.
Adams believes he would not be where he is today without two main people supporting him.
“My mom and my high school gym teacher were my two biggest supporters. Between the two of them, I was able to get the best support in the world. My mom always told me instead of giving up, I should go out there and try it and be the best I can be at it. My gym teacher, Penny Lowe, was the person who influenced me to play basketball. She always motivated me to take shots and practice,” said Adams.
When high school started, Adams felt like he didn’t belong on a basketball team and felt discouraged. That all changed when he met Kodiaks men’s coach Ryan Heggie, who was then a summer camp leader at a basketball camp in BC in 2016. The coach was surprised when he saw Adams at his camp.
“I was amazed. First of all, I was like, how are your legs staying on. So, I asked him and he showed me. Mostly amazed that he could do the things that he was doing with a basketball and running up and down the floor. The kids were balling with him and treating him like just one of the guys which was also pretty impressive,” said Heggie.
Adams says Heggie was the best shooting coach he has ever had as the coach found ways to make his shooting style work. The player believes Heggie helped him find himself as an athlete.
“Ryan gave me that kick that I needed to get into where I wanted to be, really taught me the basic fundamentals of being a player, made me realize that it wasn’t all about stats, it was about the team before anything else,” said Adams.
Adams said he would love to play under Heggie for the Kodiaks next year. He wants to try out for the team next season as playing collegiate basketball would be a dream come true. Heggie believes the point guard has a chance to make the team.
“We are not going to give him any special treatment because of his past. We are going to treat him just like another player who is trying out. We are going to give him a fair chance and I think he has the potential to make the team,” said Heggie.
Heggie added that Adams is a unique and talented person. He believes Adams is inspirational, as the players on the Kodiaks loved his story after he came to talk about his journey earlier in the month.
Tryouts for the 2020-21 basketball season start in April. Adams’ journey will continue as he will attempt to become the first amputee to play collegiate sports in Canada.