Trent

Trent believes to be a good human being that you shouldn’t judge people or underestimate them. As a person with autism, Trent has faced judgement and felt frustrated by how often people would try to limit him when he didn’t limit himself. Seven years ago, Trent decided that he wouldn’t let other people’s opinions rule over his life, and so he decided to start kickboxing, jujitsu, Muay Thai, mixed martial arts (MMA), and wrestling.

Being an athlete has always been a part of Trent’s life. He competed in the Special Olympics in both swimming and basketball. He enjoys movement of any kind because it helps him feel grounded, in control, and disciplined. As a two-stripe blue belt in jujitsu, Trent knows the value of training and how consistency and effort can help one progress toward their goals. Trent is no stranger to hard work; he trains three to four times a week. He is actively working towards becoming a black belt as it will give him the opportunity to teach others, something he is passionate about doing.

Participating in combat sports allows Trent to travel when he competes. He enjoys traveling and hopes to compete in an international venue. For now, he has traveled to places in northern California and would love to go even further. To achieve this goal, Trent wants to get involved in amateur MMA fights. He knows that competing in amateur fights can be more difficult because the potential of getting injured is higher. However, he would build experience, potentially receive financial earnings by winning, and would get well-deserved recognition.

Trent enjoys being involved in any physical activity. Four years ago, he took up surfing after being inspired by a movie called Point Break. He loves how surfing requires him to be fluid and one with nature and describes that getting good at surfing means accepting the waves as they are. One of his favorite places to surf at is in Santa Cruz. With his experience of competing in swimming in the Special Olympics, being in the water and taking on the waves feels natural to Trent. He even used his skills to participate in an event to swim to Alcatraz in San Francisco.

As a half-Mexican person, Trent has felt inspired by prominent Hispanic members of combat sports, like Anthony Hernandez, also known as “Fluffy,” a middleweight MMA fighter. He views his ethnic background as one of the reasons why he enjoys combat sports, because of the strength and resilience of his culture. 

Since 2018, Trent has lived independently and feels proud of how much he has grown as a person. He appreciates Alta California Regional Center because he was supported to become more independent and he considers his Service Coordinator as his family. With his love of travel, Trent has a goal to get his passport, so when he is ready to take on international combat sport competitions, he can be ready to go.