DAYTON - It is widely understood that a team's total success is a direct result of each individual member and their combined efforts and contributions. Sometimes, however, the most important contributors are not the ones regularly making headlines.

One such member joined the University of Dayton men's basketball team at the beginning of the 2013-2014 season and has made a more powerful impact in his first three months on the team than some will in their entire collegiate career.

Meet Trevin Gray. This teenager from Xenia joined the Flyer program through TEAM Impact, a non-profit organization chartered to improve the quality of life for children facing life-threatening illnesses. Six years ago, Trevin was diagnosed with a rare connective tissue disorder called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. "From the very start when Trevin's story came to us, it was clear that we could both help one another. He's a terrific kid who's had to battle early on in his life with some real adversity, adversity that isn't gone in 24 hours," noted head coach Archie Miller.

Although you might not find his name on the roster, if you tell anyone on that roster he is not on the team, you better be ready to fight. "We see Trevin two-to-three times a week, at games and practices. He is one of us and that's how we treat him," explains sophomore forward Devon Scott. "I gave him a practice shirt and told him, 'You're part of this team. You need to look like it.' He got a big kick out of that."

Whether it's on the court, in the locker room, or through text conversation with the players, Trevin's presence has taught his teammates about strength, purpose and perseverance through tough times. His radiant smile, positive energy, and excitement for the day are both contagious and inspiring. "When he shows up, I get a big smile on my face," added Scott. Guard Jordan Sibert agrees, "It's a blessing to have had the chance to connect with Trevin. The way he takes on his day is inspiring, really."

With Ehlers-Danlos condition, the glue that holds Trevin's body together does not work as it should and his muscle fibers are held very loosely together. He is currently in intensive therapy and uses an electrical wheelchair for part of the day, including while at school.

Don't let his awesome wheels fool you, though! Trevin is quite the competitor and his impact is frequently felt on the court.

"He'll be at practice and if a guy might not be making as many free throws as he should, he'll go over to that basket and start coaching them up…telling them you can do better or you have to make these! …Or, he'll be stretching with us and look over and tells someone "I can do this better than you. Watch me."

December 27th is a very special day for the Flyers –it's Trevin's 14th Birthday! As Trevin adds one more candle to his cake, the team wants to thank him for being such a huge part of the program this year and to wish him the very best 14th birthday.

Coach Miller sums it up best when he says" Trevin's perspective on things and his positive vibe beams when he's around. I'm not sure there is a better person that could represent what our program is about than Trevin."

On behalf of the entire Dayton Flyer family and Athletic Department, Happy Birthday Trevin! We are so happy to have you part of our family and on our team!