NCAA Honors Former Ball State Basketball Star for Inspiring Others

Former Ball State basketball standout Trey Moses, ’19, has been on a whirlwind, globetrotting adventure ever since his graduation last Spring. 

And now that he’s had a chance to catch his breath due to the COVID-19 crisis, Moses says his love for community service and basketball, in that order, are just on a temporary hold.

At Ball State, Moses scored 1,000-plus career points, anchored two 20-win teams, and played more games than anyone in Cardinal basketball history. An early childhood education major, his volunteer work includes the local Best Buddies organization and organizing basketball camps for kids with Down syndrome.

While Moses was launching his pro hoops career in Bulgaria, Ball State Athletics nominated him for the NCAA’s prestigious Inspiration Award. He was chosen as one of two winners for 2020: The other, running back Rocky Bleier, played on four Super Bowl-winning teams after being wounded in Vietnam.

During college, Moses dealt with the blow of his best friend and teammate Zach Hollywood’s suicide. The pair had bonded over basketball and as volunteers for Best Buddies, working on friendship, employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Preparing to return

Zach was someone Trey could talk to about his struggles with depression. “I miss Zach every day,” said Moses. “I will do so the rest of my life.”

After completing his season in Bulgaria, Moses played in Australia’s National Basketball League. His father was slated to accept the Inspiration Award for him in Los Angeles, but when COVID-19 canceled his season, they were able to attend together.

These days, Moses is at home in Louisville, Kentucky, staying in shape and preparing for a return to Ball State.

“Ball State is where I truly found myself and experienced the most caring and wonderful collection of friends, teachers, and teammates possible,” he said. “For several months, starting in August, I’ll be working at the local Head Start program in Muncie, teaching 4-year-olds. I can’t wait to get started.”

Moses expects to rejoin his Australian basketball teammates, likely near the end of 2020.

“In my life, basketball has been a godsend for me. As long as I can play, I want to do that. And there will always be time to help others along the way.”