A teen with cerebral palsy who had been his school basketball teamโs manager since first grade finally got called onto the court on senior night, successfully shooting a basket and drawing a massive roar from the crowd.
Andrew Lovgren, 18, first learned to walk in first grade, at which point his coach decided to make him the teamโs honorary manager.
For 12 years, Andrew, who attended school in Highland, New York, was determined to have the same opportunities as other children his age, and his coach, Coach Millman, decided to make sure that would happen.
Andrew โ who had never missed a practice or a game on the sidelines โ was proud to be part of the boysโ varsity basketball team.
But then, on February 20, ahead of Highland High Schoolโs senior night, his coach gave him the heads-up that he would be given a chance to shine.
When the 18-year-old was brought into the game, his Coach Millman, teammates, and the opposition encouraged him to take a shot.
Despite the pressure, Andrew didnโt let the cheering crowd down, scoring his shot, which led to rapturous celebrations.
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Jesse Smith, a former teacher of Andrewโs, shot a video of the moment and said Coach Millman had prepared him for the shot.
Jesse later shared the video on social media, where viewers showered Andrew, who admitted he was nervous beforehand, with praise and love.
Jesse said: โI talked to Andrew right before it happened.
โHe told me where heโd be shooting from, so I got in the best spot I could for the video.
โHe knew there was pressure on him.
โThe gym was full of people, mostly there to support him.
โI was so happy and relieved for him.
โThe response to the video has been amazing.โ