WATCH: Young Kentucky fan brought to tears by tickets to Reed Sheppard experience

Kentucky fans have really shown out this week. The very best of Big Blue Nation has been on full display throughout this somewhat surprising coaching search. The highs, the lows, all of it has hit us emotionally. The reason? Inside of us all resides the little kid who is brought to tears from tickets to the Reed Sheppard experience.

The parents of a boy by the name of Axel from Southeastern Kentucky gifted their son tickets to Reed Sheppard’s pro camp. The gesture broke him down into tears of happiness, the type of raw elation reserved only for the most heartfelt of love and joy.

Of course, in true Eastern Kentucky fashion, the parents messed with him a little bit first. It was the type of lovable ribbing that set up the payoff perfectly.

The Sheppards caught wind of the video and made sure to make Axel’s trip to Rupp Arena special. They interacted with him, signed merchandise, and took pictures with the family.

Reed Sheppard filled the hearts of many Kentucky fans, both young and old, who all chanted “One more year,” at his camp, as his generosity seems to know no bounds. He, too, was in Axel’s shoes not that long ago, taking pictures with his idols wearing a Kentucky jersey.

Watch the video below to see how it all unfolded, but before you do, you might want to grab a tissue. Or eight.

(Shoutout to Steph & Boo Brooks, and Tristan Pharis from A Sea of Blue for sharing this story)

This video shows what Kentucky basketball means to people.

A young boy named Axel, from southeastern Kentucky, was brought to tears when he was surprised with tickets for Reed Sheppard’s youth camp.

The Sheppard family caught wind of the video and they all recognized him and… pic.twitter.com/ulYO5U4ZWL

— Tristan Pharis (@TristanUda) April 13, 2024