Family Ties

Oakland University Trey Townsend hasn’t selected a major yet, but knows he wants to be involved in the health field, specifically in a role related to sports.

“There’s that physical therapy and chiropractic aspect of the health field,” explains Trey, “I want to be around athletes in any way, shape or form.”

Trey’s an athlete himself, and can’t remember a time that basketball didn’t play a part in his life. He played throughout his childhood and was a star at Oxford High School, driven by his main goal: play college basketball.

His dream school? Oakland University. “Growing up, I’ve always been around the campus,” says Trey, “and fell in love with the culture. I wanted to play in the O-Rena and wear the black and gold.”

Trey’s parents, Skip Townsend and Nicole Leigh, both played basketball at Oakland University. OU kept its eye on Trey throughout high school, but it wasn’t until his senior year that an official offer was made. Trey graciously accepted the opportunity.

Trey’s the second member of his family to play under head coach Greg Kampe, who coached Skip, a 6-foot-9 center. Trey, who’s three inches shorter, is built more like a winger, but he’s being utilized as a center by Kampe, who’s only called Trey, “Skip,” once … so far.

Before the season started, Trey’s expectations were restrained, but his hard work in practice changed his role. “When I first arrived,” says Trey, “the plan was to get practicing, get bigger, stronger and maybe play more my junior, senior year. Once I started doing well in practice and having stronger upperclassmen leaders like Daniel Oladapo, helping me out, plans changed.”

Trey has thrived during his freshman year, starting every game for the Golden Grizzlies. He’s top four on the team in points, rebounds, blocks and steals, has been named the Nike® #HLMBB Freshman of the Week twice, and most recently earned a spot on the Horizon League All-Freshman team.

Learn more about OU athletics.