Athlete Spotlight: Bolingbrook PG Trey Brost
Trey Brost: Mastering the Mental Game
In today’s basketball world, physical talent is only part of the equation. To stand out, athletes must master the mental side of the game—and few embody that better than Bolingbrook point guard Trey Brost.
A three-year varsity player, all-conference selection, and currently playing on Under Armour Association (UAA) circuit, Trey has not only proven himself on the hardwood but has also demonstrated a maturity and mindset that sets him apart. His story offers a roadmap for young athletes striving to elevate their mental performance and play with purpose.
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Staying Ready: The Power of Routine
Trey has played on big stages. High-pressure matchups, intense AAU games, and playoff moments. But his mindset? Steady.
He approaches every game with the same preparation, emphasizing the importance of consistency. “Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready” is a phrase that perfectly captures his mentality. Whether it’s a rivalry game or a mid-season conference matchup, his approach doesn’t change.
His pregame ritual? A rotation of familiar songs followed by a period of silence. It centers and dials him in, creating a sense of calm before the storm. But it didn’t happen overnight—Trey built his routine through trial, error, and reflection. He tried different approaches and evaluated how they made him feel and perform. Over time, he found what worked best for him.
Takeaway for Athletes:
Build your own pregame routine. Start simple, try new things, and reflect. Consistency in preparation leads to consistency in performance.
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Let Go of Comparison
One of the most impactful lessons Trey shared was his journey with self-comparison. Early in his career, he sometimes got caught focusing on what he didn’t have—wishing he was taller, more athletic, or further along.
But as he matured, he realized this mindset only stole joy from the present. If you think, once I accomplish this, then I’ll be happy, you’ll never actually get there.
Today, Trey plays with a deeper sense of joy and freedom, fully embracing where he is and who he is. That mental shift has not only improved his performance but also helped him find a deeper love for the game.
Takeaway for Athletes:
Stop measuring yourself against others. Find joy in your journey, not in future accomplishments. The best athletes learn to enjoy the process.
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Dominating Your Role
Trey is a point guard through and through. Having watched him play, it’s clear he understands what it takes to lead a team and play winning basketball. But his leadership isn't just about calling out plays—it's about embracing his role and excelling in it.
Understanding and embracing your role is often overlooked, especially by young athletes chasing highlight moments or stat lines. But Trey believes that knowing who you are—and maximizing that—is the key to long-term growth and success.
“You can’t chase a role that isn’t yours. You have to realize you’re chasing something you aren’t going to get.”
Early in his career, Trey saw this firsthand. Instead of forcing himself into a role that didn’t fit, he leaned into what he did well: shooting, defending, and handling the ball. That shift in mindset allowed him to thrive—and gave him the confidence to grow into a leader over time.
“I’m not trying to be as good as this person. I’m trying to be the best version of me.”
Trey shared that going into high school and playing varsity as an underclassman was a wake-up call. He had to focus on what he could bring to the team—and that started with self-awareness and discipline. Over time, as he continued to sharpen his strengths, his role expanded, and his impact deepened.
“Once you realize who you are, you just have to get better every single day. Then you start to feel a sense of accomplishment. You see the progress you’ve made from your past self, and you realize that’s all it’s going to take. Just keep doing that over and over again.”
Takeaway for Athletes:
Know your strengths, dominate your role, and trust the process. You don’t have to be everything—you just need to be great at what you do best.
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Motivation Is Fleeting — Discipline Is the Difference
Perhaps the most powerful moment in our conversation came when Trey discussed motivation.
Motivation is a fleeting emotion. It comes and goes. That’s why discipline matters.
Instead of relying on motivation, Trey focuses on holding himself accountable. If he says he’s going to train, he trains. If he schedules time to watch film, he watches it. He builds trust with himself through action—and that’s what drives his progress.
It all started with small habits—like sticking to a morning routine. From there, he layered in more intentionality, more structure, and more ownership of his development.
Takeaway for Athletes:
Motivation isn’t reliable—but discipline is. Build small, daily habits and hold yourself accountable. That’s where true growth comes from.
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The Bottom Line
For athletes looking to take their performance to the next level, Trey’s story is a reminder that mental performance is just as critical as physical skill. Start small, stay consistent, embrace your role, and above all, enjoy the journey.
