• 2020 Merit Award
• 2021 Merit Award
• 2022 Merit Award

My name is David Ackles. I am currently a rising senior at Whitefish Bay High school, where I play Varsity Basketball and Varsity Volleyball. I started playing volleyball 2 years ago after deciding to stop playing soccer after 13 years. Many coaches have complimented me on my footwork in basketball - I believe soccer helped me have quick feet for someone of my height. I enjoy playing middle position in volleyball as a fall sport and earned second-team all-conference junior year. My game at the net in volleyball has helped me develop better timing for blocking in basketball. Improving my basketball game is my current focus. I am a high-energy player who is engaged, proactive, and focused.  I will acknowledge my mistakes, and I listen to coaches so I can increase game IQ and in-game execution. In the last half of my high school season, I found success in always beating my man down the court and finishing the game with double-doubles. I have been working hard with trainers and coaches to regain my coordination after growing a  foot in two years during the pandemic. My AAU team, ABC Young Lions have played in tournaments in 6 states this summer - my focus is to be a dominant scorer.

I am in a rigorous high school program at Whitefish Bay High School and am determined to be a successful student-athlete. Up until this last spring, I played three sports (pitching for baseball) and have maintained grades that I am proud of - I will complete 4 AP courses before I graduate. My goal is to play basketball for a college or university with a strong academic reputation. I believe my everyday focus on being a strong student-athlete is preparing me for this future path. 

Outside of school, I enjoy volunteering at my sister’s school with students that have special needs, doing service work with my varsity basketball team, coaching in summer basketball clinics, being part of Young Life, and spending time with my supportive family. I believe these things make me a better person on and off the court.