PISCATAWAY, N.J. – The Rutgers men's basketball team made a huge addition to the 2025-26 roster on Monday afternoon.

Ten-year-old Trent Powers of East Windsor, New Jersey, has officially signed with the Scarlet Knights as this year's Team IMPACT honoree.

The Scarlet Knights men's basketball program held an official press conference at the RWJ Barnabas Health Athletic Performance Center in which head coach Steve Pikiell and all fifteen players were in attendance to make the signing official.

“Welcome to the biggest press conference we have ever had here at Rutgers men's basketball," sports information director Chris Corso said. “We have a big signing to announce. We are pleased to announce that 10-year-old Trent Powers is joining the team today. I am super excited, everybody, let's give a round of applause!”

Powers, who turns 11 in November, is a competitor at heart and a lifelong sports lover. He was matched with the Rutgers men's basketball team at the start of the school year and attended practice earlier this offseason. 

While he enjoys swinging a baseball bat and managing a local football team, Trent's muscles do not fully function, making it challenging.  Trent requires regular medical appointments with specialists, including cardiology, endocrinology, pulmonology, and others.  

In the short time since being matched with the Scarlet Knights, Trent is already making a BIG impact.  He shares a last name with one of his new teammates (Kaden) and got to share his infinite knowledge of basketball history and statistics with Darren Buchanan Jr., Dorian Jones, and Max Fradkin. Trent was represented by his mom, his father, his best friend and both of his grandmas at the event.

Trent describes his personality as both "sarcastic and competitive". His dream superpower would be the ability to read minds. Trent said he is ready to take his talents to social media and is ready for whatever Name, Image, and Likeness deals are coming his way this season.

His favorite movie is Happy Gilmore, and his favorite television show is Lego masters. When he is not watching his Scarlet Knights, his favorite athlete and role model is Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards.

Founded in 2011, Team IMPACT strives to improve the quality of life for children battling illnesses by pairing them with collegiate athletic teams. Through these matches, children become "team members," taking part in practices, games, and other team activities, which provide emotional support and a sense of inclusion. For the student-athletes, these bonds create valuable leadership opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. To date, Team IMPACT has reached over 4,000 children across the country, creating meaningful connections that inspire resilience and hope.

About Team IMPACT 

Team IMPACT's unique multiyear program signs up for children facing serious illness and disability onto college athletic teams across the country. Based on a clinical model, Team IMPACT guides a symbiotic relationship between teams and children focused on socialization, empowerment, and resilience, ensuring everyone involved has the personalized game plan they need to win – effectively building confidence and independence. Founded in 2011, Team IMPACT has matched more than 4,000 children with 800+ colleges and universities in 50 states, impacting more than 100,000 student-athletes. If you know a child or team who may be interested, please visit www.teamimpact.org.