When 11-year-old Trent talks about his Rutgers Basketball teammate Darren Buchanan, one thing is clear: their friendship goes far beyond basketball.
Trent, who lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, was matched with the Rutgers basketball team in September 2025 and quickly became part of the Rutgers Basketball family. And at the center of that experience is Darren, a teammate who has made Trent feel seen, valued, and loved from day one. So when it came time to nominate someone for Team IMPACT’s Teammate of the Year award, Trent knew exactly who deserved the honor.
“Darren is like a big brother to me,” Trent said. “He always calls me his ‘little bro’ and makes me feel really special.”
Being a good teammate means it’s often the little moments that create the biggest impact. For Trent, those moments happen all the time with Darren, who “goes out of his way to make my experience feel more special,” Trent said. Whether they’re talking about Trent’s favorite sports teams and players, celebrating birthdays and holidays, or sending videos when they can’t be together in person, Darren always makes sure Trent always feels connected to the team, which Trent says always makes him feel important. Their support extends far beyond game day. They’ve cheered Trent on at talent shows, attended band concerts, spent time with his friends, and shown up for the moments that matter most in his life.
“One of the coolest things he did was come to my band concert after getting home from an away game at 4:00 in the morning,” Trent said. “He even got other teammates to come. That meant so much to me.”
Even during the ups and downs of a competitive season, Darren makes sure Trent knows he belongs. “Even after tough losses, he gives me a big hug and makes sure I feel like a big part of the team,” Trent shared.
Through every phone call, video message, celebration, and hug, Darren has helped create that sense of belonging for Trent. And that doesn’t go unrecognized by Trent or his family. “Darren doesn’t have to do this, he chooses to,” Trent said. “That’s why he’s such an amazing teammate and person.” And that’s why he’s Trent’s Teammate of the Year.