Second-year setter Kamiah Gibson, 4, prepares for a serve while competing for the Ohio State Women’s Volleyball Team on September 27, 2023. Photo credit: Lily Hynes, Assistant Photo Editor
Initially a freshman on the West Virginia volleyball team in June 2022, Kamiah Gibson was gearing up for her debut collegiate season when she noticed troubling signs.
Her health took an unexpected downturn, leaving her feeling weak and fatigued.
Shortly after arriving on West Virginia’s campus as a freshman, she began experiencing fatigue and severe abdominal pain. Every meal aggravated her condition, Gibson recalled.
Just two months after starting her freshman year, she was diagnosed with celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that hinders gluten breakdown in the body, leading to intestinal inflammation and malabsorption of vital nutrients. Despite playing through the season for West Virginia, Gibson struggled with her health and realized she needed more support to persevere.
However, being in her inaugural collegiate season and determined to pursue her passion, she continued to compete.
“I never skipped a practice,” Gibson emphasized. “I never missed a game, even when I felt drained. People often overlook how challenging it is to perform when your body is essentially attacking itself.”
Her severe reaction to gluten meant she could no longer eat at dining halls or restaurants, resulting in a significant lifestyle adjustment.
“The impact on my social life was immense,” Gibson remarked.
Volleyball had always been a significant part of Gibson’s life, inspired by her older sister, Koral. Excelling throughout her school years, she earned a scholarship to West Virginia, expecting to leave her mark until her health issues surfaced.
Hailing from Medina, Ohio, she decided to transfer closer to home, ultimately choosing Ohio State, her dream school, within days of entering the transfer portal.
Jen Flynn Oldenburg, head coach of Ohio State women’s volleyball, expressed her satisfaction with Gibson’s decision to join the team.
“Her dedication, adaptability, and commitment to maintaining a lifestyle that sustains her not only in everyday activities but also in the demanding realm of a Division I athlete are truly commendable,” Oldenburg praised.
In her sophomore year with the Buckeyes, Gibson contributed to the team’s rebuilding phase following the departure of several seniors after the 2022 season. She also became an advocate for celiac awareness, demonstrating that individuals can excel despite grappling with autoimmune conditions.
While balancing collegiate sports and an autoimmune disorder presented challenges, Gibson highlighted that the most difficult aspect for her was adapting socially.
She couldn’t partake in the team’s pregame pasta rituals and had to pack her own meals during travels. Adhering to her routine and lifestyle modifications was crucial for her optimal physical and mental performance.
“On day trips, it’s manageable—I just pack three meals,” Gibson explained. “But during our 14-day trip to Italy over the summer, I had to pack 42 meals.”
Since joining the team, Gibson has collaborated closely with the nutritionist, Caroline Riewe, and Director of Operations, Caitlin Insana, to ensure she receives the necessary support and nutrition for peak performance.
Looking ahead, Gibson aims to raise awareness about celiac disease and support athletes facing similar challenges.
She actively advocates on social media, evaluating restaurants’ compliance with her dietary requirements and endorsing gluten-free brands. One of her aspirations is to become a gluten-free restaurant critic.
“I want to raise awareness because I was clueless about it before my diagnosis,” she shared. “I used to think, ‘Oh, they just eat gluten-free,’ but it’s more than that. It’s an autoimmune disorder. So, I have to be cautious not only about what I eat but also about my sleep and stress management.”
Gibson hopes her journey inspires young athletes with celiac disease to pursue their athletic dreams without hesitation.
“There aren’t many athletes with celiac, but I want to show kids with the condition that playing at a higher level is still within reach,” Gibson affirmed.