Arizona State’s Trey Wakefield competes in seven heptathlon events during the indoor track season and 10 events in the decathlon when the season moves outdoors.
It’s a challenge that mirrors the nonstop pace in the rest of his life.
“Ever since he was little he never just sat around,” said John Wakefield, Trey’s father. “If there was something to learn – a new skill, a sport or music – he was all in. He doesn’t just try new things; he wants to excel at them.
“That mindset has carried him from Canby, (Oregon) to ASU and will take him even further.”
Before track came into the picture, Wakefield’s youth in Oregon was filled with pursuits such as football, choir and dance, all of which pushed him to test his limits and master balancing new skills at a young age.
Wakefield didn’t start track until high school, but he quickly made a mark as a triple jumper, winning the District 6A title in both his junior and senior years and capturing an Oregon state title in the event his junior year. His early success hinted at the potential for multi-event competition, setting the stage for his transition into the decathlon and heptathlon events.
Uncertain if track was the path he wanted to pursue in college after high school, Wakefield attended Clackamas Community College in Oregon City before connecting with private coach John Parks. It was Parks who recognized Wakefield’s potential for multi-event competitions, encouraging him to transfer to ASU and compete in the decathlon and heptathlon.
“I wasn’t even sure I wanted to continue track in college until I started training with coach Parks,” Wakefield said. “He saw my potential for multi-events. That guidance is what eventually led me to transfer to ASU and fully commit to the decathlon and heptathlon.”
Behind every sprint, jump and throw, Wakefield leans on the mentorship of Parks, whose belief in him has had a big impact on his development. Parks, who has trained elite athletes including 2012 Olympic sprinter Ryan Bailey, has helped Wakefield refine his technique and navigate the physical and mental demands of the decathlon and heptathlon.
“I’ve only ever told this to two other people, and they went on to do exactly what I’m about to tell you,” Parks told Wakefield. “I think you can compete on the world stage someday, whether it’s the World Championships, Olympics, whatever it is. I see that in you.”
Parks’ belief in Wakefield isn’t just based on talent; it comes from witnessing his relentless work ethic and adaptability.
“Trey approaches every challenge with focus and determination,” Parks said. “He learns fast, pushes himself and never settles. That mindset tells me he has the ability to succeed on the world stage.”
So far this season at Arizona State, Wakefield has been focused on building consistency and improving across all his events in the indoor heptathlon, including throwing for a personal best in men’s shot put with a toss of 13.51 meters at the NAU ‘Axe ‘Em’ meet to start the season. He is looking forward to competing and improving in the outdoor decathlon.
“I only started doing combined events a little over a year ago, so right now it’s all about improving little by little,” Wakefield said. “I still have so much room to grow this season, and that’s what makes me excited for what’s ahead.”
Off the track, Wakefield is always seeking new challenges, a drive that recently led him to explore modeling. He will represent Alabama at the Mister USA 2026 competition in Las Vegas, demonstrating a pattern of pursuing excellence in anything he does. His resume also includes state championships in choir and dance team while in high school.
“I never really thought about modeling growing up, but as I got older, I realized it was another way to challenge myself,” Wakefield said. “It’s been a lot of fun and has pushed me to try new things, meet new people and set myself up for opportunities beyond track and field.”
At home, Wakefield’s drive and determination was clear to his family, especially his father. Growing up, Wakefield was always eager to try new things and committed himself to the activities he loved. From sports to music and dance, his curiosity and nonstop energy shaped the way he approached new things, laying the foundation for the well-rounded individual he is today.
“Trey has always had that internal drive,” John Wakefield said. “If he commits to something, he’s going to give it everything he has. It’s never been about just participating for him; it’s about improving and seeing how far he can go.”
Beyond sports and hobbies, Trey has consistently found ways to give back to his community, volunteering at youth sports clinics, mentoring younger athletes and participating in local events whenever he has the time.
“I’ve done over 150 hours of community service. Giving back has always felt natural to me,” Wakefield said. “It’s a way to support the next generation and stay connected to the people and places that helped me grow.”
Always chasing growth, Wakefield continues to define what it means to be a multi-talented athlete, ready to showcase his skills on the track for Arizona State this spring and on the modeling stage in July.
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