Bates Scholarship: Sports give back to Norwayne's Trey Bayless

Sports have always been an important part of Trey Bayless' life.

That's not going to change any time soon.

Bayless' love for whatever game happened to be in season — soccer, basketball or tennis — has always been on display during his high school years, contributing in big ways on and off the field while helping Norwayne to winning seasons year in and year out.

His success as a student and athlete led to his selection as one of the eight Roy S. Bates Scholarship recipients, one of the area's most prestigious scholarship for student athletes. The Bates Foundation Player of the Year honor went to Triway's Carter Wachtel.

"When I got the phone call for it, it was unexpected," Bayless said. "When I answered and found out and it definitely made my day, knowing I was one of the eight to receive that award. It definitely felt special."

A soccer, basketball and tennis player, Bayless was varsity player for six Wayne County Athletic League championship teams in soccer and basketball, including not losing a conference game in either sport as a senior. While he wasn't the one putting up the biggest numbers, Bayless was an important part of all of those championship teams, making plays all over the soccer pitch and doing a lot of the unglamourous work on the basketball court.

"It's definitely been a big thing my entire life," Bayless said his commitment to sports. "I feel like that's what most high schoolers go to to get something off their mind or just enjoy time with their friends. ... It's always been something that's there for me if I ever need it."

Soccer in particular became a passion for Bayless in high school as he became a key varsity player as a freshman and developed a deep bond with his teammates.

"I felt like the team bond was very special, the relationship with the coaches," Bayless said. "Everything about (soccer) added up for the memories to be a little more special."

Playing three sports taught Bayless to work extra hard, with something always going on year-round, trying to be prepared for other sports even if they weren't in season.

"It takes a lot of hard work," Bayless said. "We're in the gym all the time all through summer. In the offseason we're always in (the gym) shooting, whether it's just on our own time or with the team. I would definitely say it's worth it."

That doesn't mean it hasn't come with sacrifices. Bayless knows some of his classmates had more free time during their high school years. But it's not something he would change.

"You go from season to season with no breaks," Bayless said. "It takes away the time to enjoy with your friends while you're in high school. But it's definitely worth it — the bonds you make with your teammates and coaches. Sometimes you meet people off the streets with a Norwayne hoodie on — or whatever school you go to — and they ask about your season or how you did in a certain game. It's just a special feeling when you get asked like that."

Bayless' love for the game has influenced him to give back too. He's coached at the youth level already, including coaching his younger brother, and it's something he plans on doing well into the future.

It's safe to say Bayless will be found close to a field or court for many years to come.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Bates Scholarship: Sports give back to Norwayne's Trey Bayless