If the phrase “dual-sport athlete” were in the dictionary, it would be accompanied by a picture of Trey Wright III.
Last fall, the sophomore quarterback led the nation in total yards, helping Lone Star High School to its first state championship game in a decade. Wright then turned to the hardwood, where he led the basketball team in points per game with 19.
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In a generation that has seen the steady decline of the multi-sport athlete, Wright is the exception to the rule, and it’s no surprise given his family tree.
His father, Wallace Wright, played four years in the NFL for the New York Jets, while his grandfather played shortstop in Major League Baseball, and his cousin Dallas Turner was recently selected in the first round by the Minnesota Vikings.
“Athleticism definitely runs in my family, so I was blessed with those genes on both sides,” Trey said. “Growing up around high-level athletes taught me how to compete, how to work, and how to handle both success and adversity.”
But he knows it’s more than genetic luck that has gone into his success — crediting his early exposure to the competitiveness of football in the Dallas area. He also remembers his father taking him around Dallas-Fort Worth to play up a grade, something that gave him an early boost over his peers.
“I was always the youngest around talented players, so my mentality was to go out at whatever sport and just try and be better than the best player out there,” Trey said.
That mentality dates back to his early childhood, according to his mother Lori Wright, who says he’s been competitive for as long as she could remember.
“Even in a game of UNO, if it’s something to win, no one is safe playing Trey,” Lori said.
Now, that foundation is paying dividends, as evidenced by his breakout season at quarterback. As a sophomore, Trey was named MaxPreps All-American, Dallas All-Area Newcomer of the Year, and Unanimous 5-5A District MVP.
Trey Wright had a historic season for Lone Star but ended in a state championship loss. Photo via Lori Wright’s social media
Trey’s meteoric rise garnered interest from top schools around the nation, as he received nearly 30 Division I offers for football.
Although he ensured his son had every opportunity to succeed, Wallace believes it’s Trey’s dedication that has gotten him to where he is.
“A lot of work, effort, and hours have gone into this,” Wallace said. “Trey has always loved whatever sport he was playing at that time, so that was the easy part. If you truly love something, you will do whatever needs to be done in order to have success.”
It’s not difficult to see that hard work, as Trey has transcended into rare territory for dual-sport athletes — receiving Division I offers for both football and basketball.
While that sort of diversity in skill is rare, the recognition is of no surprise to his coaches.
“He has accomplished a lot in just two years, but the significant thing about it is he splits time with football and basketball,” Lone Star head basketball coach Keith Connor said in an interview with MaxPreps. “There is no limit to what he can do because he possesses all the intangibles on the court and on the field.”
While his ability as a quarterback has rightfully caught the eye of the general public, his potential in basketball has perhaps become underrated. Despite his 5-foot-11 frame, Scott Burgess of Prep Hoops believes Trey could be a “legit PG at the next level” if he pursues basketball in college.
When prominent dual-sport athletes near college eligibility, the prioritization of one sport over another is often seen as the right choice. However, for Trey, he views the two sports as synchronous — both building to becoming the best athlete possible.
“Basketball keeps me quick, improves my footwork, and helps with decision-making, while football helps with toughness and leadership,” Trey said. “During each season I’m still making time for the other; I may leave football practice and head to the gym to get shots up, or leave basketball practice and go to QB training.”
Trey Wright has excelled on the basketball court just as much as he has on the football field and is one of the top prospects as a point guard. Photo via Nike EYBL.
On his mom’s side, Trey’s uncle Scott Senatore was also a multi-sport athlete, playing baseball for North Carolina and quarterback in high school. That example has allowed the whole family to embrace all the challenges that come with playing multiple sports at a high level.
“Whether it’s football or basketball, you have to be willing to work harder than everyone else,” Wallace said. “We train in all sports, and I surround him with people and kids who all have the same goals.”
For Lori, it was never a question of if her son would become a special athlete, but when.
“He told me at 9 years old while we were playing outside, ‘Mom, I want to be the best athlete to ever come out of the state of Texas’,” Lori said. “At this rate, he’ll definitely be in reach of that goal.”
After a dominant sophomore season, Trey is poised to become a household name under the bright lights of high school football in Texas — especially after receiving offers from several big-name schools. Heading into his junior year, he’s already received offers from Michigan, Oregon and North Carolina, his father’s alma mater
Although Wallace would love for his son to play for his former college, it’s far from the first priority in the selection process.
“I would love it if he went there and put on that uniform; it would be cool to share that bond,” Wallace said. “But he has to create his own path, and we will do what we feel is right for him and his future.”
Photo via Lori Wright’s social media.
For now, his collegiate career is still a few years away, and an unnecessary distraction with next season looming. After a heartbreaking loss in the state championship game, Trey’s goals for next season are simple.
“Win.”
