Horned Frogs First Person: Trent Battle
6/21/2023 8:25:00 AM | Football
Learn about the impact the TCU running back's parents have had on him
(as told to Lily Margaret Greenway)
At my core, I'm a learner. I play football because I love it, but academics are really important to me, too. A TCU degree carries a lot of weight, and I am honored to be working towards one in economics. I apply myself wholeheartedly on the football field and in my field of study to do my family proud. My parents always told my brother and me that we could do anything we set our minds to, as long as we made good grades. They exhibited that to us firsthand, and I am proud to be their son. My head doesn't hit the pillow at night until I talk on the phone with my family. I love hearing about their continued accomplishments as they cheer me on in my own.
My mom served as a teacher for decades, and now she's a school HR director. Her care in everything she does has shown me how to love and serve others well. My dad has shaped me into a skilled athlete, but more importantly, he has encouraged me to be a better man, especially as a Man of God. He was talented enough to play Major League Baseball right out of high school, but instead he chose to go to the University of South Alabama, where he could play baseball and get his engineering degree. He left his hometown to follow his dreams as a professional athlete, and in a way, I am following in his footsteps. There are days when I think, I don't know how you did this, Dad. But when things get tough, I always look back to him, and he's cheering me on.
Last year, I was stressed, overwhelmed and faced with a lot of self-doubt and uncertainty. But one day after practice, Philippians 4:13 came into my mind. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." At that moment, I called my dad and thanked him for bringing me up with the truth that my identity is found in Christ. The trajectory of my life changed when I accepted that I cannot do anything apart from Christ. I now prevail through trials by giving Him my worries and doubts, and He brings me peace through anything and everything. Nothing is possible without Him and the talents God has blessed me with. My faith is my "why," and my relationship with Christ is the most important thing in my life.
I've never been the kid who could sit still, but ever since I found my "why," I want to help others discover theirs. I know how hard it is to find yourself in a new place, even when you're doing what you love, so I make an effort to pour into the younger guys on the team. I want them to know I'm smiling and supporting them through every success, because first and foremost, I am a team player. When the coaches asked me to make the switch from quarterback to running back, I didn't bat an eye. I immediately told them I would do it, and I've never looked back or second-guessed my decision. I value the honor of putting on the purple every weekend, and when I look up at the stands and see everyone else in purple, I'm reminded of those who wore this color before me, and the joy, passion and love for this game we share. That's enough to get me running on the field every time.
At my core, I'm a learner. I play football because I love it, but academics are really important to me, too. A TCU degree carries a lot of weight, and I am honored to be working towards one in economics. I apply myself wholeheartedly on the football field and in my field of study to do my family proud. My parents always told my brother and me that we could do anything we set our minds to, as long as we made good grades. They exhibited that to us firsthand, and I am proud to be their son. My head doesn't hit the pillow at night until I talk on the phone with my family. I love hearing about their continued accomplishments as they cheer me on in my own.
My mom served as a teacher for decades, and now she's a school HR director. Her care in everything she does has shown me how to love and serve others well. My dad has shaped me into a skilled athlete, but more importantly, he has encouraged me to be a better man, especially as a Man of God. He was talented enough to play Major League Baseball right out of high school, but instead he chose to go to the University of South Alabama, where he could play baseball and get his engineering degree. He left his hometown to follow his dreams as a professional athlete, and in a way, I am following in his footsteps. There are days when I think, I don't know how you did this, Dad. But when things get tough, I always look back to him, and he's cheering me on.
Last year, I was stressed, overwhelmed and faced with a lot of self-doubt and uncertainty. But one day after practice, Philippians 4:13 came into my mind. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." At that moment, I called my dad and thanked him for bringing me up with the truth that my identity is found in Christ. The trajectory of my life changed when I accepted that I cannot do anything apart from Christ. I now prevail through trials by giving Him my worries and doubts, and He brings me peace through anything and everything. Nothing is possible without Him and the talents God has blessed me with. My faith is my "why," and my relationship with Christ is the most important thing in my life.
I've never been the kid who could sit still, but ever since I found my "why," I want to help others discover theirs. I know how hard it is to find yourself in a new place, even when you're doing what you love, so I make an effort to pour into the younger guys on the team. I want them to know I'm smiling and supporting them through every success, because first and foremost, I am a team player. When the coaches asked me to make the switch from quarterback to running back, I didn't bat an eye. I immediately told them I would do it, and I've never looked back or second-guessed my decision. I value the honor of putting on the purple every weekend, and when I look up at the stands and see everyone else in purple, I'm reminded of those who wore this color before me, and the joy, passion and love for this game we share. That's enough to get me running on the field every time.
Tuesday, April 28
Tuesday, April 21
Saturday, April 11
Friday, April 03
