Pressure is Privilege…it’s a phrase that some may believe is what Trenden Collins encounters on and off the field of sports. The accomplishments achieved by other members of “Team Collins” are added fuel for the spirit to be the best for the Muldrow High School junior and multi-sport athlete.
“It’s always given me the motivation to always do my best and win,” replied Collins after completing his workout trying to repeat as state champion in track where he won the Class 4A gold medal in high jump clearing the bar with a personal best leap of six feet eight inches. “The chance to repeat motivates me to reach higher and it pushes me to keep getting better in order to retain that title this spring.”
Collins also challenges for gold medals on the track oval competing in the long jump plus running events including the 100m dash, 400m and 4x400m relay.
Like his older siblings, “T-Cold” is a proven talent on the basketball court where he scored more than 1,000 points last season for the Muldrow Bulldogs. Collins manages his high school sports schedule while also traveling nationwide for basketball all the while paying attention to his homework, where he maintains a 4.27 GPA.
“Most of my basketball travels don’t interfere with the high school calendar. But what always ranks number one is taking care of my classroom assignments.”
Crediting the influence of his grandmother, Collins strives to find victory through his quiet dedication.
“My grandma (G-me) always told me to look at things from a greater perspective in life and to not dwell on how the world thinks of you. It’s why I’m so passionate about whatever I do,” confirmed Collins. “Good character goes a long way. It’s why I try to keep a level head at all times. I try to be a good role model for kids who look up to me and try to be someone my community can speak highly of.”
In all his endeavors, Trenden Collins knows there will always be someone watching his every move and spoken word. And in those moments where pressure to succeed is at its pinnacle point, he finds solace and confidence clinging to the advice from his mom and dad.
“By their real life examples, my parents advice rings loud and clear. Always do your best because you never know who is watching,” he said with pride and a look of confidence. “It is important to me because you never know who is going to show up. The day you slack off may be the day you missed your opportunity. And that thought has always kept me trying to do my best.”
