Meet Aidan

Aidan Easterling is a 21-year-old basketball fan from Dallas, Texas. He loves all aspects of the sport – from shooting hoops to pumping up basketballs, he finds joy in it all. His mom says, “Aidan was born to be an athlete. It’s just in his DNA – all 47 chromosomes.”

While Down Syndrome causes Aidan to have physical and cognitive limitations that limit his ability to compete at the same level as typical athletes, it doesn’t stop him from celebrating every shot, whether it goes in or not! According to mom, “Aidan’s superpower is that he truly and deeply plays for the love of the game.”

Aidan glows when he talks about things he loves. In addition to playing basketball, he also enjoys swimming, chicken tenders, bouncing on his trampoline, playing with his dog, Sam, and of course, cheering on his hometown team, the Dallas Mavericks! His favorite players are Luka Doncic and Dirk Nowitzki because he feels that they’re good teammates and leaders. Aidan’s sports dream is to visit the American Airlines Center where the Mavericks play and shoot hoops with Luka or Dirk.

The SMU Collegiate Dream Team has selected Aidan as their Dream Recipient and they will be working hard in the coming months to make that sports dream come true.

Aidan's Dream

Dirk Nowitzki is Aidan’s superhero and he definitely lived up to that status. These two became best buds from the moment they met! Aidan was given a personal tour of the Dallas Mavericks offices, locker room and training areas…but the best part was when Dirk showed up! Aidan got a chance to show off his skills while the two played some 1:1 – watch out Dirk, Aidan’s a MVP!

Dirk played Santa and delivered TONS of signed memorabilia AND even a piece of the championship floor. Aidan’s going to be taking that bedroom décor up a notch!

Next up was a meet up with Dave Brown, GM of the AAC for a tour of Mark Cuban’s club suite! Aidan wrapped it up with shopping spree at the Mavs store, “The Hanger.”

After all that excitement is was time to fill the belly and relive every single second. The family had a blast at Bowlski’s Lakewood Theater before heading back to The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas for a watch party in their suite. Big thanks to the Ritz team for the special decorations and food!

Dream Snapshots

Dream Reels