Kent State Freshman Diagnosed With Autism Scores His First Points In A Division I Basketball Game

Nov 21, 2019

Kalin Bennett, 19, wasn't expected to accomplish much in life. Sonja, his mother, told WBUR that doctors who had diagnosed Kalin with autism at 9 months of age didn't believe that he would ever walk or talk.

He's come so far since, recently enrolling at Kent State University and even scoring for his NCAA Division I basketball team. In fact, this was his squad's first game of the season, and he's hoping for many more tallies.

The native of Little Rock, Arkansas, became the first diagnosed autistic athlete to sign a national letter of intent to compete at a Division I institution in a team sport. He entered this contest, a 97-58 win over Hiram that was played at the school's campus in Kent, Ohio, with six minutes to play in the second half reports Sports Illustrated.

With 2:30 showing on the clock, Kalin received a pass and dribbled into the lane, leaped into the air and, while he was hit and fouled, nailed his historic jumper. He deservedly let out an intense show of emotion after that ball tickled the twine.

After the game, Kalin said that he was so happy that his mom got to see that emotional moment, and a touching photograph of the two hugging after the game has tugged on heartstrings around the world. He was also encouraged by teammates after the final buzzer sounded to ring the school's victory bell, which he did to their delight.

When Sonja had received that troubling diagnosis of Kalin never walking or talking, she disregarded it and soon found a doctor who helped Kalin reach the potential that he was truly capable of. Although it took some time, the determined child started experiencing success, walking at the age of 3 and talking at the age of 7. Sonja kept encouraging her son and telling him that he could accomplish anything.

Bennett said that he hopes that his success will help other autistic children believe in their own abilities and the potential that they possess.

“It’s good to know that people look up to me but the real thing is: Everybody is capable of doing whatever they want to do in life. I hope I created a thing that’s going to transcend to more kids so they believe in themselves first and foremost," he said to AP News.

Do you know any autistic children? In what ways have they shown determination in overcoming obstacles and pushing forward towards their goals?