WATCH: Florida student with special needs hits game-winning shot in varsity basketball debut
PALM COAST, Fla. - It was a night to remember at Matanzas High School on Tuesday when senior Haley Olson scored a buzzer-beater in her very first varsity basketball game against Trinity Christian.
The 6-foot-1 standout was sent to the free-throw line late after a foul, but no one could have predicted that her first points ever would come later in dramatic game-winning fashion.
With seconds left on the clock, Olson made her way to the hoop and nailed a shot just before the final buzzer, sealing a thrilling victory for the Matanzas Pirates!
Even the visiting Trinity Christian team joined in the celebration, cheering on Olson during her unforgettable moment.
A star in Matanzas' Exceptional Student Education (ESE) program, Olson is also a member of the National Honor Society, a thespian troupe, and a four-year cheerleader and bowling team member. She is also actively involved with the Special Olympics, according to Flagler Schools.
After high school, she plans to attend the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, where she hopes to raise awareness about succeeding with autism in today's world.
Looking ahead, she dreams of working at Walt Disney World Resort to encourage others to be proud of who they are.
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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by Flagler Schools on Jan. 7, 2025.