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by Allison Cho
Trace Young’s journey in basketball is a testament to the power of perseverance, faith, and dedication. From his earliest days on the court, it was clear that basketball was not just a game to him—it was a platform for growth, self-discipline, and learning. Trace has always been committed to putting in the work, whether it’s through relentless training or overcoming obstacles. His story is about more than athletic talent—it’s about the mindset that propels him forward and the belief that success is built on daily effort and unwavering focus.
Can you share the journey that led you to join LSU for your fifth and final collegiate season?
A lot of people believe that the reason I transferred to LSU was because of the brand and NIL opportunities to make money associated with it. But it had nothing to do with that. I loved CSU and my coaches and teammates as well as the environment and fan base were amazing and I would not have traded those experiences for the world. My decision to transfer was really a God thing. My faith is something that is extremely important to me and when I felt called to leave something so great I knew it must be for a purpose. I entered the portal and narrowed my schools down to the University of Texas, Clemson, Michigan, TCU, and LSU. LSU was appealing to me because it has a strong fanbase, successful athletics, and unique culture. More than anything, though, I felt like this was where the Lord was directing me so I took a leap of faith.
What has been the most challenging part of transitioning to a new team for your last year?
One of the most difficult parts of transitioning to a new team for my last two years was understanding that I would be sacrificing minutes that I have worked my whole life for. After working my way up the roster for my first few years at CSU I was starting to build more trust from my coaches and develop a more significant role in games. I knew that leaving a program and starting over at an even higher level in the SEC, those minutes would be scarce. I had to realize that basketball was such a small part of who I am and what I am trying to accomplish in life and that this move was for a greater purpose beyond the court.
What lessons have you learned from transferring between schools and adapting to new teams?
Transferring schools has taught me a lot of lessons. The first, and most important, one would be to have complete unwavering faith in Jesus. Moving across the country to a new place and being expected to perform well instantly requires a lot of self-security and confidence which I get from God and who I am through Him.
Can you tell us about your vertical jump achievement at Colorado State and how it reflects your work ethic?
When I was younger I was always obsessed with being able to dunk. I remember I would get off the bus from school in just 5th grade, run home, and throw my backpack on my front porch. I would do hundreds of box jumps on this bench in my front yard until I couldn't jump anymore. This became a routine and I was the beginning of my jumping addiction. After this my dad got a basketball hoop for our driveway outside my house and he would lower the rim so that I could just barely dunk. He would periodically raise the rim without me knowing and before I knew it I was dunking on 10 feet my summer after finishing 8th grade. In high school, I started growing in confidence above the rim and was always trying to get higher and get new dunks. When this foundation mixed with my first two years of D1 workouts came together I noticed I was dunking easier and getting higher than I ever had. We tested our vertical jumps before practice one day and I sprang up in front of my team and coaches and reached 46 in (the highest in Colorado State athletics history). I think that was just a testament to how staying consistent and truly loving the growth of something can help you reach heights you never thought you could.
You mentioned battling some injuries during your career. How did you overcome those injuries and come back with a positive mindset?
Injuries are always an athlete's worst nightmare. Multiple years of constantly jumping and landing off of one leg caused my hips to be unaligned and resulted in me tearing my lower abdominal muscles as well as my groin. This was my first year transferring to LSU and was very difficult for me to overcome because I was excited to show what I could do and contribute as much as I could but the Lord had other plans for me. I spent most of last year doing rehab after my surgeries and trying to regain strength and mobility in my core. I understood that the transferring and injuries mix would prohibit me from most in-game opportunities I had but I didn't want that to stop me from being the best teammate that I could be. Again, my faith in Christ helped me realize that my value was not in my performance on a basketball court but in who He created me to be as a person.
How has your close relationship with your family, especially your sisters, influenced your journey?
My dad has always pushed me to be the best version of myself that I could be and instilled a disciplined mindset in me regardless of the circumstances that I was in. My mom has always been the most supportive person in my life. When it came to deciding what school to go to or any major decision I've been faced with, she has never failed to remind me that I am loved and no matter what, the Lord will guide and provide. My older sisters have been my rocks through it all. Tyler and Tatum are always checking in on me and watching all of my games. They are my best friends and I don’t know where I would be without them.
Your sister Tatum is an accomplished triathlete. How has her success inspired you?
Tatum loves to tell people that she was the best athlete in the family but that isn’t true. She was an Olympic triathlete for Team USA and completed her first half Ironman at 14 years old so I’ll give her credit. She has inspired me in many ways. I remember seeing her wake up before 5 in the morning every day before school to go train. She would train directly after school as well and would get home late just to get started on her homework. I saw her doing this and began doing the same. I began to understand what it takes to truly stand out athletically.
Playing four instruments is an impressive feat. What instruments do you play, and do you plan to continue playing?
I can play the piano, guitar, drums, and ukulele. I just got a saxophone as well and am planning on learning more. Music has been a way that I have used to decompress and wind down after the strenuous schedule of D1 athletics. I also love to create so it provides a creative outlet to express myself as well.
What inspired you to start creating content, and how has it evolved with platforms like TikTok and Instagram?
I started making videos from a young age with my iPod touch and a 1st generation GoPro. My neighbors and I would make trickshot videos and skits and anything to capture content. I just fell in love with the idea of capturing memories and being able to create and relive them. This was before likes and followers were a thing but the pure art of creation. I continued this and my content improved drastically. Once I got to college and TikTok and algorithms started trending, I noticed a lot of my videos performing really well and gaining followers. The NIL rules then changed and I realized that I could make a real living doing this.
Your content creation interest started with your iPod touch, loving the idea of being able to capture moments and being able to relive them. How has your gear/techniques improved over the years? Go to camera? Do you have any advice for someone who wants to get into content creation?
I started with an iPod touch and an old GoPro. I was using them so much and my mom got me a starter camera for Christmas one year. This helped me adapt to learning how to truly operate a camera and edit. I currently use the Canon R3 for most of my content. If I had tadviseto someone who wants to get into content creation, I would say to just be authentic and create what you love to create. Don’t get discouraged by likes or performance and do what you love.
You’ve built a significant following on social media. What’s your secret to staying authentic while growing your brand?
Whether I am gaining good publicity and people are saying positive things to me, or people are being negative, I always remember a quote that my mom used to always tell me; “thinking too highly of yourself is pride, and thinking too low of yourself is insecurity, neither honor God.” This is something I always come back to in order to stay grounded and be true to myself regardless of anything that people say.
What has been the most rewarding part of capitalizing on NIL opportunities?
The most rewarding part of capitalizing on NIL opportunities has been to financially thrive throughout this busy schedule of athletics and school. Juggling a job with this schedule and being able to make significant amounts of money is such an amazing blessing.
How does music fit into your creative endeavors, and what role does it play in expressing yourself?
Music is another way that I love to express myself along with my content creation. I used to battle with anxiety and had a very difficult time sleeping at night. My mom never wanted me to rely on any medications to cope with this so I began playing piano. Music is a natural relaxant and has been a way that help me unwind and relax after the strenuous schedule that I have. I have also picked up the guitar, drums, and ukelele over the years and its music has turned into one my my biggest passions.
You were a part of “The Money Game: LSU” series by Amazon Prime. What was your experience filming and discussing NIL contracts with other athletes: Jayden Daniels, Angel Reese, Flau'jae Johnson, Livvy Dunne, and Alia Armstrong?
Being selected to star in The Money Game was an honor and such an amazing experience. I have been friends with the other athletes included in the documentary since I transferred to LSU, but this process has brought us closer than ever. Being a part of this LSU athletics community and seeing these people every day made me forget that I am in the company of national champions, Olympians, and Heisman winners. Being alongside such talented and genuine people, along with the amazing production crew, has helped me create lifelong relationships that I will cherish.
“You have nothing to prove, just somebody to be” is an inspiring quote. How has this mindset influenced your outlook on life and basketball?
Realizing that you really have nothing to prove, and just somebody to be is something that I have been trying to remember recently. Competing at this Power 5 level of athletics has shown me that our significance for the school and fans, just like most things in life, is based on our performance entirely. And if you aren’t performing the way you’re expected, they will find somebody who will. This is a lot of pressure and I have to remind myself that, while I give this opportunity everything that I have, God has placed me here to be somebody and not to perform a certain way.
Your faith is a big part of your identity. How do you translate your faith and identity into your brand, and how do you portray yourself to the world?
My faith is the most important aspect of who I am and I want to portray myself in the way that God created me to be. I think that social media gets a bad rep because there is a lot of comparison and negativity that can come from it. I believe it can also be used as a tool for good, though, and that’s what I have been trying to do.
How has your relationship with Jesus shaped your path on and off the court?
My relationship with Jesus has shaped my path both on and off the court drastically. My walk with God has shown me that I am loved and can go through life confidently knowing that this is only our temporary home, but that one day we will be with God for eternity.
When facing adversity, what role does prayer or spiritual reflection play in helping you stay grounded?
I believe that prayer is one of the most important practices that somebody can do. Whether it is seeking wisdom on how to navigate the future, reflecting on the past, or just sitting in His presence, having the opportunity to spend intimate time with the creator of the universe is a gift that is so often overlooked.
Are there any Bible verses or teachings that resonate with you during tough moments in your life?
Romans 12:2 “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
How do you balance the expectations of being a D1 athlete with staying true to your faith and values?
I think that the modern-day culture of D1 athletics is very distant from God. It is so easy for us athletes to get consumed in the status and money that we forget what is most important. Prioritizing and being extremely intentional with my time has been something that I have had to do in order to remain grounded. Ensuring that I am getting quality time with God regardless of my busy schedule has been key.
What advice do you have for young athletes struggling with self-doubt or pressure, especially when it feels overwhelming?
One quote that I always remembered was, “Do your best and let God do the rest.” I would tell this to younger athletes struggling with self-doubt because it is a good reminder that if you put in the time and work harder than others, and then leave the rest to God then you know that whatever happens is part of His plan for you.
With this being your final season, what’s next for Trace Young, and how do you hope to leave a lasting legacy?
I will continue to create content because it is one of my passions but I will also be working more consistently with a company that my dad and I started when I was in high school called Ballogy. It helps give kids opportunities to get noticed by colleges and continue their athletics and education beyond high school as they develop. Regardless of where God takes me in location or occupation, I want to continue spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.
As Trace continues his journey, he remains grounded in his values, with a clear focus on his purpose. For him, it’s never been just about making it to the next level—it’s about staying true to himself and to the process. With his eyes set on the future, Trace knows that the hard work, faith, and resilience that have shaped his journey will continue to guide him as he strives for greatness, both on and off the court.
Thank you, Trace, for sharing your inspiring story with us. We’re excited to see where your journey takes you and are rooting for you every step of the way!
Disclaimer: The thoughts, experiences, and opinions shared in this article are solely those of Trace Young and are based on his personal journey. They do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations, sponsors, or institutions that Trace may be associated with. The NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities mentioned here are shared from Trace’s own perspective and are not endorsements. Before making any decisions based on the content, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional advisor.
To ensure accuracy and maintain context, Trace Young reviewed this article before publication. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this material is strictly prohibited. For any inquiries or concerns regarding this article, please contact info@hazzemedia.com.