Meet Sean

Meet Sean, a bright and determined 17-year-old with a big heart and an even bigger love for sports.

Sean is a smart, kind, and funny young man who has worked incredibly hard to overcome the challenges that have come with his autism diagnosis. When he was younger, Sean was non-verbal and communicated with token boards and visual cues, but over time, he found his voice—often using Disney movie lines to express himself. Today, he continues to use those lines in creative and meaningful ways.

Sean thrives with structure and routine. He doesn’t always pick up on social cues or understand the nuances of language, and he faces some sensory challenges, especially with food textures and colors. He’s also experienced delays in academics and motor development, but that hasn’t stopped him from living life to the fullest.

Playing sports didn’t come easily at first, but with support from programs like Open Door Sports and ACEing Autism, Sean has developed athletic skills and built strong friendships with others like him.

Sports have become a powerful way for Sean to connect with the world. He knows players, teams, and stats—whether it’s high school, college, or the pros—and loves using that knowledge to spark conversation. He currently serves as the JV basketball team manager at Whitman High School and he loves to play basketball with his friends.

Sean’s biggest Dream is to have a VIP experience with the Georgetown University basketball team and the Georgetown Collegiate Dream Team cannot wait to make that Dream a reality!

Sean's Dream

From school hallways to big time college basketball, Sean’s Dream with the Georgetown Hoyas men’s basketball was nothing short of unforgettable.

The weekend tipped off with the ultimate hometown send off. New basketball shoes. Classmates lining the halls. A drum line echoing through the school. A huddle filled with cheers and love. It was a powerful reminder of how deeply supported Sean is and how many people believe in his dream.

When the family arrived in D.C., the celebration continued with a shopping spree in Hoyas blue. Gear for everyone. Smiles all around. Anticipation building for what was ahead.

Practice day was pure magic.

Sean went behind the scenes, touring the facility, stepping into the film room he proudly called the “big movie room,” sitting in the Hoya Cut chair, and spending time in the weight room with Coach Kenneth White. He had VIP seats for practice, but more importantly, he was treated like family.

As the team broke down film, Sean stayed on the court shooting. Locked in. Studying every transition and every movement. Head Coach Ed Cooley noticed. He handed Sean the practice sheet so he could follow along and then gave him something even more meaningful, a Jordan hoodie worn by the players and coaches.

“This represents the team,” Coach told him. “You’re part of it now.”

And he meant it.

Throughout practice, Coach Cooley would sit beside Sean and his family, arm around them, fully present even while directing drills. It was leadership rooted in heart, intention, and authenticity.

Then came a moment no one will forget.

Sean and his little sister took the court together. She plays basketball, and he is her biggest fan. Side by side with Coach Cooley, they coached her up before she stepped to the free throw line and drained the shot in front of the entire team. The gym erupted. Fist bumps. High fives. Pure joy.

Before leaving, Coach invited Sean into his office. Sean sat in the big chair and gave us his best game face while Coach shared an inspiring and genuine conversation about purpose, character, and making every moment count. It perfectly reflected the culture being built inside that program.

Game day brought even more once in a lifetime moments. Courtside seats. United Club access. A locker room visit. Pregame huddle with Coach. Time with the team. Super Bowl talks. Every detail carefully designed to make Sean feel celebrated and seen.

Dream Snapshots

Volvo
Thank you to the Georgetown University Collegiate Dream Team & thank you to our National Collegiate Dream Team Sponsor, Volvo Construction Equipment