Most young sports fans dream of seeing their favorite team from the inside, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For freshman sisters Arianna and Natalia Armendariz, that dream becomes a reality multiple times per Dallas Mavericks season, as they work behind the scenes of a professional basketball team’s organization.
The Mavericks host a program called Ball Kids, which selects academically strong participants aged 13-18 from the Dallas Mavericks Hoop and Elite Camps with a dedicated character, to assist players and media crews during game day. While players warm up, Ball Kids set up the courtside seating and greet customers at the doors of the American Airlines Center on game days.
“We have to arrive three hours before the game starts at the arena,” Arianna Armendariz says. “Usually, we’ll help out before the game and then watch the actual gameplay in the press box.”
Although mentorship isn’t the most advertised component of the Ball Kid program, the Armendariz sisters find guidance from the Dallas Mavericks staff, who support them and their journeys in the program. Throughout the season, the mentors give advice and motivation to everybody who may need a helping hand.
Through the organization’s support with the Mavericks brand, the Ball Kids in turn form unexpected connections with the players and coaches. Although they aren’t supposed to speak with the players directly, members of the team often approach and check in with the Ball Kids, drawn to their positive energy and their consistent dedication at games.
“I remember O-Max was the best before he got traded,” Arianna Armendariz said. “I was so sad because he was always so nice, and he would always say hello and ask how our day was. He was such a nice player, and I was so sad when he got traded to the Grizzlies.”
The Ball Kids’ main role throughout the season is to help whenever possible, whether it’s as small as picking up slipping hazards on the floor or handing out merchandise to excited fans.
Although Ball Kids are not tied by a contract nor a paycheck to the Mavericks organization, they may occasionally face backlash for the organization’s doings. In Feb. 2025, they faced verbal criticism associated with the controversial Luka Doncic to the Lakers trade.
“Everything was a bit crazier during the Luka Doncic trade because a lot of fans would have backlash towards us just because we were in a Mavs uniform,” Natalia Armendariz said. “They would ask like ‘Why? Why did we trade Luka?’ I was honestly like; I cannot tell you.”
Although they faced criticism from the fans and media, it taught them to respond in a realistic, respectful manner and understand the world around them at an early age.
With a full team of around 60 Ball Kids, the volunteers work together to support the fan experience and enjoy the energy surrounding the team. All the Ball Kids get unique opportunities through the program to network, especially those hoping to pursue a career in the sports world.
“We’ve been able to meet so many people that we admire on and off the court,” Natalia Armendariz says. “It’s truly such a unique opportunity.”
