My name is Trey Smith, and I am a sophomore at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas, where I continue to wrestle and attend school. I'm applying for scholarships to help support my academic and athletic journey. More importantly, it would be an investment in someone who intends to give it back. I want to become an example to my family and younger students in my community that hard work, education, and perseverance can create opportunities. During my high school years volunteered for many programs but one was Cody CAN which is a successful anti-drug and anti-drinking program. For high school athletes to influence the community by becoming a positive role model on the field and in the classroom. Something that I still appreciate today. Wrestling, football and volunteering has shaped my work ethic, discipline, and resilience-qualities that will serve me well in both my athletic and career aspirations. Being a first-generation college student has taught me that achieving my goals requires determination, discipline, and willingness to overcome challenges. I am proud to be building a path that is different from what my family has experienced before me, but I also understand the responsibility that comes with being the first. I want my education to become more than a personal accomplishment; I want to open the doors for my family and create opportunities for the community that has supported me. Also, be an example to my younger sister. We also come from a single-parent home and without the sacrifices my mother- I would not be on this path. My goal is to earn a master's degree in civil engineering and use my education to build a career that makes a lasting difference in the community that has helped shape me. I want to eventually open my own civil engineering business in my local community, where I can use my knowledge and skills to help design and build projects that improve the places where people live, work and raise their families. For me, engineering is more than designing structures-it is about creating something that will have a positive impact for generations. Civil engineering plays an important role in the physical growth and safety of a community. Roads, bridges, water systems, and other infrastructures must be designed correctly to protect people and support a growing population. I want to be part of making those improvements happen in my community. By owning a local engineering business, I could provide opportunities for local people, contribute to economic growth, and help ensure that community projects are designed with safety, quality, and future in mind. I will take pride knowing that something I helped design could make someone's daily life safer and easier. Building a successful business is also important to me because I want to give back to the community that has given me so many opportunities. Again, the activities I have participated in have taught me discipline, perseverance, leadership, teamwork, and now to overcome adversity. Those lessons have helped shape me into the man I am today, and I want to pass those same values on to the next generation. As I move forward, I hope to give back through my career, but also by coaching the sports that have shaped me into the man I am today. I want to mentor young athletes, teach them confidence, and help them believe in their own potential. My goal is to succeed so that I can help others succeed, create a lasting impact on my family, my community and the generations that follow. That is what drives me.

Being a first-generation college student has taught me that achieving my goals requires determination, discipline, and willingness to overcome challenges. I am proud to be building a path that is different from what my family has experienced before me, but I also understand the responsibility that comes with being the first. I want my education to become more than a personal accomplishment; I want to open the doors for my family and create opportunities for the community that has supported me. Also, be an example to my younger sister. We come from a single-parent home and without the sacrifices my mother- I would not be on this path. Another part of being from a single family home is experiencing the struggles and sacrifices. With me being the oldest brother I take on a lot of responsibility. I am fortunate to have had support through my high school years and was able to focusing athletics and academics. But it does come with sacrifices. I have seen and experienced it. That is why my education is so important to me. I currently attend Tarleton State University in Texas, where I am committed to both my education and wrestling. Balancing the demands of college academics with the physical and mental challenges of being a student-athlete has strengthened my work ethic and taught me how to manage adversity. There have been moments when the path has been difficult, whether academically, financially, or personally, but those challenges have motivated me rather than defined me. Wrestling has taught me to stay disciplined, accept setbacks, work harder, and keep moving forward even when success does not come easily. My goal is to earn a master's degree in civil engineering and use that education to make a positive difference in the community I come from. Civil engineering is meaningful to me because it provides an opportunity to build things that people depend on everyday-safe roads, reliable infrastructure, strong buildings, and communities designed to serve people for generations. I want to bring those skills back home and use them to help make my community stronger, safer, and better prepared for the future. Receiving this scholarship would help me get closer to that goal by reducing the financial challenges of earning my degree and allowing me to remain focused on my education and wrestling. More importantly, it would be an investment in someone who intends to give it back. I want to become an example to my family and younger students in my community that hard work, education, and perseverance can create opportunities. During my high school years volunteered for many programs but one was Cody CAN which is a successful anti-drug and anti-drinking program. For high school athletes to influence the community by becoming a positive role model on the field and in the classroom. Something that I still appreciate today. As I move forward, I hope to give back through my career, but also by coaching the sports that have shaped me into the man I am today. I want to mentor young athletes, teach them confidence, and help them believe in their own potential. My goal is to succeed so that I can help others succeed, create a lasting impact on my family, my community and the generations that follow. That is what drives me.

Being a first-generation college student has taught me that achieving my goals requires determination, discipline, and willingness to overcome challenges. I am proud to be building a path that is different from what my family has experienced before me, but I also understand the responsibility that comes with being the first. I want my education to become more than a personal accomplishment; I want to open the doors for my family and create opportunities for the community that has supported me. Also, be an example to my younger sister. We come from a single-parent home and without the sacrifices my mother- I would not be on this path. Another part of being from a single family home is experiencing the struggles and sacrifices. With me being the oldest brother I take on a lot of responsibility. I am fortunate to have had support through my high school years and was able to focusing athletics and academics. But it does come with sacrifices. I have seen and experienced it. That is why my education is so important to me. I currently attend Tarleton State University in Texas, where I am committed to both my education and wrestling. Balancing the demands of college academics with the physical and mental challenges of being a student-athlete has strengthened my work ethic and taught me how to manage adversity. There have been moments when the path has been difficult, whether academically, financially, or personally, but those challenges have motivated me rather than defined me. Wrestling has taught me to stay disciplined, accept setbacks, work harder, and keep moving forward even when success does not come easily. My goal is to earn a master's degree in civil engineering and use that education to make a positive difference in the community I come from. Civil engineering is meaningful to me because it provides an opportunity to build things that people depend on everyday-safe roads, reliable infrastructure, strong buildings, and communities designed to serve people for generations. I want to bring those skills back home and use them to help make my community stronger, safer, and better prepared for the future. Receiving this scholarship would help me get closer to that goal by reducing the financial challenges of earning my degree and allowing me to remain focused on my education and wrestling. More importantly, it would be an investment in someone who intends to give it back. I want to become an example to my family and younger students in my community that hard work, education, and perseverance can create opportunities. During my high school years volunteered for many programs but one was Cody CAN which is a successful anti-drug and anti-drinking program. For high school athletes to influence the community by becoming a positive role model on the field and in the classroom. Something that I still appreciate today. As I move forward, I hope to give back through my career, but also by coaching the sports that have shaped me into the man I am today. I want to mentor young athletes, teach them confidence, and help them believe in their own potential. My goal is to succeed so that I can help others succeed, create a lasting impact on my family, my community and the generations that follow. That is what drives me.

Being a first-generation college student has taught me that achieving my goals requires determination, discipline, and willingness to overcome challenges. I am proud to be building a path that is different from what my family has experienced before me, but I also understand the responsibility that comes with being the first. I want my education to become more than a personal accomplishment; I want to open the doors for my family and create opportunities for the community that has supported me. Also, be an example to my younger sister. We come from a single-parent home and without the sacrifices my mother- I would not be on this path. Another part of being from a single family home is experiencing the struggles and sacrifices. With me being the oldest brother I take on a lot of responsibility. I am fortunate to have had support through my high school years and was able to focusing athletics and academics. But it does come with sacrifices. I have seen and experienced it. That is why my education is so important to me. I currently attend Tarleton State University in Texas, where I am committed to both my education and wrestling. Balancing the demands of college academics with the physical and mental challenges of being a student-athlete has strengthened my work ethic and taught me how to manage adversity. There have been moments when the path has been difficult, whether academically, financially, or personally, but those challenges have motivated me rather than defined me. Wrestling has taught me to stay disciplined, accept setbacks, work harder, and keep moving forward even when success does not come easily. My goal is to earn a master's degree in civil engineering and use that education to make a positive difference in the community I come from. Civil engineering is meaningful to me because it provides an opportunity to build things that people depend on everyday-safe roads, reliable infrastructure, strong buildings, and communities designed to serve people for generations. I want to bring those skills back home and use them to help make my community stronger, safer, and better prepared for the future. Receiving this scholarship would help me get closer to that goal by reducing the financial challenges of earning my degree and allowing me to remain focused on my education and wrestling. More importantly, it would be an investment in someone who intends to give it back. I want to become an example to my family and younger students in my community that hard work, education, and perseverance can create opportunities. During my high school years volunteered for many programs but one was Cody CAN which is a successful anti-drug and anti-drinking program. For high school athletes to influence the community by becoming a positive role model on the field and in the classroom. Something that I still appreciate today. As I move forward, I hope to give back through my career, but also by coaching the sports that have shaped me into the man I am today. I want to mentor young athletes, teach them confidence, and help them believe in their own potential. My goal is to succeed so that I can help others succeed, create a lasting impact on my family, my community and the generations that follow. That is what drives me.

Competing in sports and gaining important values will guide me as I pursue a Bachelor of Science in Biology and on the pre-med track. My ultimate goal is to go to medical school and become a physician’s assistant or doctor. Just like wrestling, the path to a career in medicine will be demanding, but I feel I am ready for it. Wrestling has taught me how to stay committed, even when the odds are against me. In the end, sports have done more to shape my high school experience. It shaped the person I am becoming. Through trials and triumphs, it has prepared me for challenges of college, a career in medicine, and life itself. I will always be grateful for the mat, the grind, and the lessons that came with both victories and setbacks. As I take the next step in my athletic and academic career. I will continue setting ambitious goals, pushing my limits, and striving to be the best version of myself both on and off the mat. I am ready to embrace the challenges ahead with the same relentless mindset that has brought me this far. I am eager to continue my journey in New York at Binghamton University. With financial support, I can make the most of this incredible opportunity. Funds will help cover the rest of my tuition after receiving my academic and athletic scholarship. I appreciate your consideration. Respectfully, Trey Smith

Wrestling is one of the toughest sports, both mentally and physically, and that's exactly why I choose to do it. Wrestling has been more than just a sport for me. It’s a powerful metaphor for life's challenges through the highs and the lows of wrestling. I’ve learned valuable lessons about resilience and perseverance. These experiences have shaped my outlook on the future and have given me hope that I can overcome any obstacles that come my way. One of the most challenging moments in my wrestling journey was when I suffered a shoulder injury. This injury forced me to confront the reality of physical limitations and the frustration of not being able to perform at my best. However, this setback taught me invaluable lessons about resilience and determination. Wrestling has always pushed me to my limits, but nothing tested my dedication more than this injury. I had set ambitious goals for myself and when I got injured, I felt like everything I had worked for was slipping away. It was devastating to be on the side of the mat watching others compete while I could only stay focused on my recovery period, but instead of letting it break me; I used it as motivation. I stayed disciplined, worked hard through the rehab, and slowly built myself back up to competition shape. And I supported my teammates as they competed. The experience proved to me that setbacks are just a part of the journey, and if you stay focused and put in the work, I can overcome anything. Wrestling ultimately shapes us into better athletes and stronger individuals. I have developed resilience, discipline and a drive that continues to feed my goals for the future. This sport has taught me how to face adversity head on and use it as full fuel to become a better athlete, student and person. Despite the setbacks, Wrestling has also brought me some of the proudest accomplishments. I was able to compete at a high level, challenge some of the best athletes in the state, and earn an athletic and academic scholarship to wrestle at Binghamton University. Knowing that I can compete at this level is something I take great pride in. It reflects the hours of work, sacrifice and determination I've poured into this sport. Wrestling extends far beyond the mat. How I handle pressure, how I approach challenges, and how I set goals. It has taught me to never settle, to always be working towards something greater. These values are guiding me as I pursue a Bachelor of Science in Biology and on the pre-med track. My ultimate goal is to go to medical school and become a physician’s assistant or doctor. Just like wrestling, the path to a career in medicine will be demanding, but I feel I am ready for it. Wrestling has taught me how to stay committed, even when the odds are against me. In the end, wrestling has done more to shape my high school experience. Through trials and triumphs, it has prepared me for challenges of college, a career in medicine, and life itself. I will always be grateful for the mat, the grind, and the lessons that came with both victories and setbacks. As I take the next step in my athletic and academic career. I am ready to embrace the challenges ahead with the same relentless mindset that has brought me this far. I am eager to continue my journey in New York, and with financial support, I can make the most of this incredible opportunity. I appreciate your consideration. Respectfully, Trey Smith

I started wrestling at the age of 4. I play football and run track, but I knew this was the sport I would excel in. Over the years I have had many challenges. Heart surgery for SVT as a freshman and two shoulder surgeries as a sophomore. To think of having heart surgery as a 14-year-old was scary and difficult. When I dislocated my shoulder, I had a choice to do a quick surgery and get back at it or do a major surgery and be out longer. I picked the quick one and competed in Nationals. Then I decided to have my more invasive surgery my sophomore year. I worked so hard in therapy, workouts and training. I did multi sports and I will have close to a 5.0 GPA as a senior. These obstacles did not stop me from working hard, staying focused and excelling in school. I won Ron Thon the highest award in the Sate of Wyoming as a freshman, Wyoming High School Wrestling Champion as a freshman and Junior, All-state in wrestling and football, MVP twice, Outstanding wrestler at Big Horn Brawl 2025 and Iowa All-star camp Champ. I have competed in High School Wrestling Nationals and 1000 Island High School duels in New York beating the Massachusetts and New York State Champions. These experiences have made me stronger and more determined to accomplish my goals. The daily grind is how I refer to setting goals, accomplishing them, and working through adversity. During my high School career, it was hard. There were times of doubt and disappointment. It is how I handled it all that made the difference. I could have given up, I could have let doubt settle in, I could have walked away but I would not be who I am today. I see my future and I will remain steadfast in accomplishing my vision. Wresting is one of the toughest sports mentally and physically and it as shaped me into the young man I am today. Outside of sports I enjoy fly fishing, tying flies, hunting, skiing, friends and family. I am currently a professional hunting guide in the State of Wyoming. I attend church as faith is a big part of my life. I surround myself with like-minded friends and we have enjoyed the ride of our high school years. Becoming great examples for young athletes excelling in sports and in the classroom. We take our health and performance very seriously. We are all members of a program called Cody CAN. A successful anti-drug and anti-drinking program developed in Cody, Wyoming. Students of sports and activities at high school level have never consumed illicit/illegal drugs or alcohol. You receive trading cards to motivate young students to stay on the right track and be a great example to the community. This is another way sports have benefited me. Not giving into peer pressure, stay on track and be held accountable. My future career goals are to receive a BA in Biology and attend medical school. I look forward to the next chapter. I have been accepted and will wrestle at a Division I University in NY. Sports have always kept me focused and driven on and off the field. Great life lessons have been learned through all the ups and downs. How I handle it matters and sports have been a great blueprint. This scholarship will help me so much and I appreciate the opportunity.

I started wrestling at the age of 4. I play football and run track, but I knew this was the sport I would excel in. Over the years I have had many challenges. Heart surgery for SVT as a freshman and two shoulder surgeries as a sophomore. To think of having heart surgery as a 14-year-old was scary and difficult. When I dislocated my shoulder, I had a choice to do a quick surgery and get back at it or do a major surgery and be out longer. I picked the quick one and competed in Nationals. Then I decided to have my more invasive surgery my sophomore year. I worked so hard in therapy, workouts and training. I did multi sports and I will have close to a 5.0 GPA as a senior. These obstacles did not stop me from working hard, staying focused and excelling in school. I won Ron Thon the highest award in the Sate of Wyoming as a freshman, Wyoming High School Wrestling Champion as a freshman and Junior, All-state in wrestling and football, MVP twice, Outstanding wrestler at Big Horn Brawl 2025 and Iowa All-star camp Champ. I have competed in High School Wrestling Nationals and 1000 Island High School duels in New York beating the Massachusetts and New York State Champions. These experiences have made me stronger and more determined to accomplish my goals. The daily grind is how I refer to setting goals, working hard, staying focused and working through adversity. During my high School career, it was hard and there were times of doubt and disappointment. It is how I handled it all that made the difference. I could have given up, I could have let doubt settle in, I could have walked away but I would not be who I am today. I see my future and I will remain steadfast in accomplishing my vision. Wresting is one of the toughest sports mentally and physically and it as shaped me into the young man I am today. I am a secretary and proud member of our local program Cody CAN. A successful anti-drug and anti-drinking program developed in Cody, Wyoming. It operates on a simple idea: kids who are recognized and rewarded for making positive choices are likely to continue making positive choices over time. Improving the lives of the entire community. Students that are part of sports and activities at the high school level are held accountable that they have never consumed illicit/illegal drugs or alcohol. You receive trading cards to motivate young students to stay on the right track and be a great example to the community. This is another way sports have benefited me to not give in to peer pressure. I appreciate all those who have coached me, my teammates over the years and my family. Through all the trials mentally and physically I can proudly say I have completed my High School goals. I am excited for my future. I have been accepted and will wrestle Division I in New York. This scholarship would help me continue paving my way, accomplish my goals and focus on a bright future. This sport has shown me struggle, injury and pain. Most importantly it has taught me strength, determination, and power to overcome. Life can bring much of the same struggles, blessings and rewards. All things I am forever grateful for.

I started wrestling at the age of 4. I play football and run track, but I knew this was the sport I would excel in. Over the years I have had many challenges. Heart surgery for SVT as a freshman and two shoulder surgeries as a sophomore. To think of having heart surgery as a 14-year-old was scary and difficult. When I dislocated my shoulder, I had a choice to do a quick surgery and get back at it or do a major surgery and be out longer. I picked the quick one and competed in Nationals. Then I decided to have my more invasive surgery my sophomore year. I worked so hard in therapy, workouts and training. I did multi sports and I will have close to a 5.0 GPA as a senior. These obstacles did not stop me from working hard, staying focused and excelling in school. I won Ron Thon the highest award in the Sate of Wyoming as a freshman, Wyoming High School Wrestling Champion as a freshman and Junior, All-state in wrestling and football, MVP twice, Outstanding wrestler at Big Horn Brawl 2025 and Iowa All-star camp Champ. I have competed in High School Wrestling Nationals and 1000 Island High School duels in New York beating the Massachusetts and New York State Champions. These experiences have made me stronger and more determined to accomplish my goals. The daily grind is how I refer to setting goals, working hard, staying focused and working through adversity. During my high School career, it was hard and there were times of doubt and disappointment. It is how I handled it all that made the difference. I could have given up, I could have let doubt settle in, I could have walked away but I would not be who I am today. I see my future and I will remain steadfast in accomplishing my vision. Wresting is one of the toughest sports mentally and physically and it as shaped me into the young man I am today. I appreciate all those who have coached me, my teammates over the years and my family. Through all the trials mentally and physically I can proudly say I have completed my High School goals. I am excited for my future. I have been accepted and will wrestle Division I in New York. This scholarship would help me continue paving my way, accomplish my goals and focus on a bright future. This sport has shown me struggle, injury and pain. Most importantly it has taught me strength, determination, and power to overcome. Life can bring much of the same struggles, blessings and rewards. All things I am forever grateful for.

At 12 years old I experienced my dad at the age of 34 go through heart surgery after a heart attack. This was difficult. My dad is who I look up to, my best friend and an amazing father. He has coached me in all sports since I was 5 years old. At age 14 I noticed in a national tournament my heart was beating so fast I almost fainted. After wearing a heart monitor while practicing I was told I had Supraventricular Tachycardia. A congenital issue that is common but heart surgery but was difficult to think about at my young age. Emergency heart surgery and three days later I was in Iowa for an all-star wrestling camp. As a freshman in high school, I did not let any of that push me away from my goals. Stayed focused on sports and my education. Stayed a straight A student, won Wyoming High School State Wrestling Champion, Ron Thon Champion, competed Nationals High School Wrestling finals, High School football and track. 4H Grand Champion in Showmanship at County Fair. Sophomore year shoulder surgery for a dislocated shoulder. Working through this injury and taking my time for the next season then had to have a second more invasive surgery. Missed wrestling, football and track seasons. This did not affect my goals, focus or supporting my teammates. Wrestled 15 times varsity level as a junior and won each match. In my High School wrestling career, I lost one match only to beat that opponent for the 2024 Wyoming State Championship. Junior year I received All-state DB this football season and All-state in wrestling. This summer I was invited to 1000 Islands HS Duels in New York. I did not lose one match and beat the New York and Massachusetts State Champions. My dedication towards remaining a good student, overcoming injuries, and staying the course for my goals, has never faltered. Working hard in the classroom, on the field or on a mat and never giving up is who I am. I am determined to attend college in the medical field and wrestle. If you are whiling to put in time and effort anything is possible. We all have opportunities to succeed, it’s what you do, how you react to failures, and your determination that matters. My parents allow me to make decisions and believe in my goals. They let me learn from failures and offer amazing support in all aspects of life. It’s my job to take advantage of all opportunities to benefit my future. I appreciate those who have impacted my life during High School, especially my coaches over the years. I have learned that anything is possible as long as you are willing to work hard, overcome adversity and stay focused.

At 12 I experienced my dad at the age of 34 go through heart surgery after a heart attack. This was difficult, he is who I look up to, my best friend and a great dad. At age 14 I noticed in a national tournament my heart was beating so fast I almost fainted. After wearing a heart monitor while practicing I was told I had Supraventricular Tachycardia. A congenital issue is an easy fix, heart surgery but was difficult to think about at my young age. Emergency heart surgery and three days later in Iowa for an all-star wrestling camp. As a freshman in high school, I did not let any of that push me away from my goals. Stayed focused on sports and my education. Stayed a straight A student, won Wyoming High School State Wrestling Champion, Ron Thon Champion, competed Nationals High School Wrestling finals, High School football and track. 4H Grand Champion in Showmanship. Sophomore year shoulder surgery for a dislocated shoulder. Working through this injury and taking my time for the next season then had to have a second more invasive surgery. Missed wrestling, football and track seasons. This did not affect my goals, focus or supporting my teammates. Wrestled 15 times varsity level and won each match. In my High School wrestling career I lost one match, only to beat that opponent for the 2024 Wyoming State Championship. Junior year I received All-state DB this football season and All-state in wrestling. My dedication towards remaining a good student, overcoming injuries and staying the course for my goals, have never faltered. Working hard in the classroom, on the field or on a mat and never giving up is who I am. I am determined to attend college in the medical field and wrestle. If you are whiling to put in time and effort anything is possible. We all have opportunities to succeed, it’s what you do, how you react to failures and your determination matters. My parents allow me to make decisions and believe in my goals, they let me learn from failures and choices but support me. It’s my job to take advantage of my future and they will support me every step of the way. I appreciate those who have impacted my life during High School and show me anything is possible as long as you are willing to work hard, overcome adversity and stay focused.