Kalin Bennett is a 6-foot, 10-inch 300-pound basketball player from Little Rock, Arkansas, slated to make history as the first player with autism to receive an NCAA Division I scholarship.
Next summer, Bennett will show off his talents at Kent State University. While speaking to Cleveland.com, the recruit said he was highly sought after but decided on Kent State because of its autism support on campus.
“I want to make an impact not just on the court, but with kids that are struggling with the same things I am,’’ Bennett told the news outlet. “I want to use this platform to inspire other kids with autism and non-autism. I want to let them know, hey, if I can do this, you can do it, too. A lot of times they feel alone and by themselves, and I felt that same way growing up.’’
Bennett's history-making journey began when he was only 6 months old. Doctors diagnosed him with autism. The news hit his mother, Sonja Bennett, like a brick, but it only strengthened her resolve.
"When doctors tell you 'no' or 'this can't be done' — fight," she told 13 WMAZ. "Believe in your heart and believe in your child."
Doctors told her he might never walk and may be among the 25-50 percent of people on the autism spectrum who can’t speak.
Bennett proved them wrong. By age 4, he took his first steps, and at 8 years old, he spoke his first words. Through hard work, therapy and faith, Bennett and his mother beat the odds.
Basketball became a second language to him. He also excelled in music and mathematics during his time at Little Rock Christian High School.
Bennett hopes to have a fruitful career as a basketball player and open a charity that will help others with autism.
His mom plans on venturing to Ohio with her son to continue being the support system he has always had.
"[I] kind of had a hard time talking to people, making conversation with people," Bennett told 13 WMAZ. "That was probably one of the hardest challenges."
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