'Band of Brothers' Welcomes Newest Teammate Danny Esposito

DePaul Men's Tennis welcomed Danny Esposito on April 14.

Photo by: DePaul Athletics

'Band of Brothers' Welcomes Newest Teammate Danny Esposito

4/19/2022 11:31:00 AM | MEN'S TENNIS

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Courageous six-year-old wages everyday battle overcoming cerebral palsy

CHICAGO – Six-year-old Danny Esposito and his ever-present sidekick three-year-old little brother Michael were causing quite a commotion recently in the upstairs bedroom of their Far Northwest Side home.

All the rumbling around and noise piqued the curiosity of Laura Esposito who headed upstairs.

She watched for a moment in the bedroom doorway as her two sons earnestly engaged in a fast-paced game of air tennis including diving on floor---inspired by seeing the DePaul men's tennis team in action at a recent match.

"We're playing tennis, mom," Danny said. "I'm Vito and he's Tripp. If you want to play with us, you can be Coach Matt."

Laura recalled this kids' tale last Thursday while watching Danny and Michael's faces light up like it was Christmas morning when coach Matt Brothers presented them with their very first plastic tennis rackets after an emotional speech detailing Danny's courage and tenacity in his everyday battle to overcome cerebral palsy.

For the protagonist in this real-life production, it may have been the highlight (or at least a close second to the cupcakes) of a heartfelt signing ceremony which officially welcomed the colorful six-year-old to the DePaul men's tennis program.

Along with the tennis rackets complete with a set of oversized foam tennis balls, Danny and Michael received a DePaul sweatshirt, T-shirts, a Blue Demon baseball cap, a knit hat, pennants and wristbands.

He was now the youngest member of the reigning BIG EAST champion also known as the "Band of Brothers."

All the DePaul players and coaches, various DePaul staff members and the Blue Demon softball team that joined in the festivities broke into a loud standing ovation after the coach's speech.

When the applause finally subsided, well, this wouldn't be a signing ceremony without a few questions.

"Danny, who won that tennis match between Vito and Tripp?" came the first query.

He looked down, paused for a moment as if searching for the right words, then looked up and exclaimed: "Vito!"

Quite naturally, more applause and some good-natured ribbing from teammates for Vito Tonejc and Tripp Tuff.

Further questioning from his inquisitive new teammates revealed that his favorite food is pizza, his favorite sport to play is baseball, his favorite baseball team is the White Sox and his favorite Marvel character is Captain America.

His favorite color? Gold. Favorite classes? Gym, recess and math.

Executive Associate Athletics Director and signing ceremony organizer Taylor Stapleton was spot-on providing pizza for all. Brothers brought several dozen chocolate, vanilla and red velvet cupcakes topped with DePaul blue frosting.

The Esposito family was connected to the men's tennis team through the Team Impact organization which matches children facing life-altering diagnosis with a college athletic program.

"We found out about Team Impact through Dare2tri, an organization dedicated to removing barriers to sports and fitness," Laura said. "Danny got involved with them one year ago by attending their multi-sports clinic.

"It was his first exposure to adaptive sports. He loved it. On the way home, we called his dad, and when Jim asked how it went, Danny said: "Guess what? I am an athlete now.

"Since then, he's attended other clinics and programs with Dare2tri, and they even helped us get him his very own adaptive bike."

Danny's favorite spectator sport is football and he is a big Bears fan having attended several games with mom and dad. He began playing soccer this year through Park Ridge's TOPSoccer team-placement program enabling young athletes with disabilities to become part of the US Youth Soccer family.

Mom was asked about a favorite memory of her first born.

"I just have so many," Laura said. "He made me a mom and makes me so proud. He is such a resilient little boy and the best big brother.

"Michael completely idolizes Danny, and Danny loves to encourage Michael. Danny loves to help me teach Michael new things like (what seems like years ago) how to walk and more recently, how to write his name."

Danny and Michael keep a record of how many days in a row they get to see their cousins, Patrick, 5 and Matthew, 3, who live a half-mile away. Danny has loads of friends at Onahan Elementary School, City Kids Inc. pediatric therapy center and all around his neighborhood.

It's easy to see why people are drawn to this resourceful youngster with a remarkable attitude and zest for life.

"Recently when we were watching the NCAA basketball tournament, he noticed all the farewell celebrations for Duke's Mike Krzyzewski," Laura said. "I was explaining to him about Coach K and all his accomplishments.

"Danny said: 'I think he might be the second best coach ever...after coach Matt.'"

Danny will long remember a special Thursday in the middle of April.

"Every night when I put him to bed, he asks for '2 minutes' during which we talk about the day," Laura said. "So last Thursday night I asked him what he thought of the signing.

"He said: 'I feel so good to finally really be part of that tennis team, and I really liked the cupcakes.'"