Sept. 13, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Start at GRCC and go anywhere. Every former student has a story to tell about how GRCC gave them the education and opportunity to be successful. “Consistency, patience and hard work.”
Trey Conner attributes his success to those three characteristics -- and GRCC got him off to a good start, too.
Conner graduated from GRCC with an Associate of Science in 2007 and then earned a bachelor’s degree in health, physical education and fitness from Western Michigan University in 2011.
After a few years as a P.E. teacher, he was presented with a unique opportunity: helping to start a minor league basketball team for the Detroit Pistons. The team has a new affiliation for the upcoming season – affiliating with the Denver Nuggets – and Conner has a new role, serving as vice president.
The Grand Rapids Gold start its NBA G League season in November at the DeltaPlex.
While it might seem like a career change, Conner has always considered his work with the team to be an extension of his commitment to community outreach.
The team works closely with area schools, visiting classrooms, organizing basketball camps, and coordinating a reading club that rewards students with tickets, gear and other prizes. When team organizers were seeking a new affiliate, they were adamant that they wanted to remain a part of the West Michigan community.
Conner says the same abilities he tapped as a teacher serve him well in running a sports team, as do the skills he built as a GRCC student.
“My time taking classes at GRCC helped set my foundational values with communicating, working with others, and goal setting,” he said.
“GRCC is a great foundational starting point to your successful journey.”
Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply.