On November 16th, 2018 Kevin Laue, the first person playing in the NCAA Division 1 Basketball with a missing limb, visited as a guest speaker in Edison in hopes of inspiring others to use their insecurities, or how he called it “our nub,” as a way to find your strength in some sort of activity.
When asked what’s the one thing he hopes students get out of his speech he responded with, “There aren’t enough leaders our age. So honestly, step out of your comfort zone and take a chance helping people.”
His message is simple, to spread love and to be a leader. After his presentation, he stayed in our auditorium for three periods just talking and having heart to heart moments with students. He was a visitor Edison students really appreciated.
Credit: Nahomi Vindell
Laue was born with a missing limb as a result of prenatal blood circulation restriction. Growing up with an arm and a half caused difficulties in his life from an early start. Laue’s disability was seen as the obstacle restricting him from living a normal life. His disability weighed in on school, relationships, and everyday activities. It was something not even his father could properly deal with.
Having to live with this in a troubled home while experiencing the death of his father at a young age, Laue turned to basketball as a source to cope. He faced a wave of disbelievers when it came to playing this sport, after all, he wouldn’t even wear a prosthetic arm. A local coach even told him to find another hobby because basketball is a two-armed sport.
Only when Laue confided in a coach from a team in a rivaling town did his passion for basketball outweigh everything else in his life, even helping to view his disability as a weapon on the court, no reason to stop playing. His passion and drive led him so far as to qualify for division 1 basketball and acquire a basketball scholarship to Manhattan College.
Laue uses his story as a tool to inspire others to do the same. Many young people are discouraged by everyday obstacles when by simply changing their perspective they could change their life for the better. Laue encourages these people through his story to visualize any flaw or setback they may have as a setup for success.
Laue has visited 49 states across America inspiring all those he encounters with his story. You can keep up with him on his Instagram; @captainhook4life.
