Welcome to the podcast! Today, we're diving into the inspiring story of Dayne Coates, a 17-year-old basketball player from Berne-Knox-Westerlo, New York, who has taken social media by storm. His unorthodox jump shot has garnered over 25 million views, turning his self-doubt into viral fame. Dayne reflects, "It's pretty wild... I mean, it must look absurd seeing it for the first time."

Diagnosed with Tourette syndrome at age three, Dayne's journey has been filled with challenges, particularly with his shot mechanics. His mother, Shannon Coates, notes, "I don't think we'll ever really know what specifically is going on," showing the complexity behind his shooting style. This season, he averaged 18 points per game, helping his team clinch the state title.

Despite the ups and downs, Dayne found resilience through intense prayer and support from his family and teammates. He shares, "The confidence they had in me gave me this new confidence in myself." Interestingly, while he's excelling at basketball, Dayne confesses his true passion lies in football, something he hasn't played since freshman year, thanks to his school's program ending.

Looking ahead, Dayne remains determined to walk on at Albany, with his father Ryan firmly believing in his son's potential: "When they ask why, I always say, 'Because he said he would.'" Join us next time as we share more incredible stories like Dayne's!
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