A basketball player from Zeeland East High School in Michigan who happens to be completely blind wowed a gymnasium packed with 2,500 people by making a basket at the last game of the season.
In a video that has now taken the Internet by storm, Jules Hoogland, a junior at the school, is seen stepping up to the basket during the Zeeland East versus Zeeland West unified basketball game on March 22.
The audience goes completely silent when an assistant begins tapping a stick on the basket right behind the rim so that Jules can hear the sound and identify where to aim her free-throw shot. As soon as the 17-year-old jumps and throws the ball into the net, the crowd cheers her with roaring applause.
“Jules has worked so hard over the years at getting the feel for that shot. It was so moving to see her hit that shot again in front of 2,500 people,” Zeeland Public Schools teacher lead Nate VandeGutche said in a statement. “We couldn’t have been more excited for her and her family. It capped off what was a very memorable day for all of us!”
He also shared that the “positive and enthusiastic” environment that the student body created during the day of the game was something the athletes wouldn’t forget.
The game was a part of the zLinks program at the schools, which helps connect students with disabilities to their peers at both campuses.
“We are grateful for the way this program has impacted our students across the district as it represents the best of what Zeeland has to offer: compassion, opportunities, and relationships,” said Dr. Mendham, Superintendent of Zeeland Public Schools.
VandeGutche added that this is the seventh year of the school hosting the zLinks peer-to-peer mentor program and the fifth year of them participating in the Special Olympics Unified Sports program. Although organizationally the two programs work differently, they work in collaboration to promote the importance of acceptance and inclusion across their campus and beyond, he explained.
