Trey Boggess may not be a five-star recruit or a highly touted transfer, but the Murray State basketball walk-on may be one of the most important players on this year’s team.
Boggess was born and raised in Murray, and grew up idolizing Murray State basketball players such as Isaiah Canaan, Cameron Payne and Ja Morant. These players defined collegiate athletics in Murray during the 2010s, and for Boggess they were role models for his own basketball journey.
After a successful high school basketball career, Boggess looked forward to potentially playing in college.
“Recruiting didn’t go the way I thought it was going to go,” Boggess said. “Senior year (of high school) I kind of just accepted that I wasn’t going to play anywhere.”
He eventually enrolled at Murray State as a regular student, and it wouldn’t be until his sophomore year when he became involved with the athletic department. He signed as a manager for the women’s basketball team before the start of the 2023-24 season, and during the season he strengthened his relationships with both the women’s and men’s basketball programs.
After the season ended, men’s basketball coach Steve Prohm approached Boggess. Prohm asked if Boggess was interested in becoming a walk-on. It was a no-brainer decision for Boggess.
“This whole opportunity with the men’s team has been such a cool opportunity and has been a dream come true,” Boggess said. “Every day I walk into the facility, and I’m just reminded that I literally wished and prayed when I was a little kid that I could be on the Murray State basketball team.”
The decision to walk onto the team was made even easier because of the relationships Boggess had built during his time as a manager. During that time, he built a strong friendship with redshirt sophomore guard Patrick Chew.
“It means a lot to me to have one of my best friends join the team,” Chew said. “I feel like it will only grow our relationship along with playing the sport that we love.”
Boggess said this new era of college athletics has given him a clearer role on the team as a culture setter and chemistry builder.
“My biggest role is to be the best person, the best encourager, a person that all the guys want to be around. I really try to be a leader off the court,” Boggess said.
“People don’t realize how much [walk-ons] mean to the team,” said junior guard Justin Morgan. “Helping us in practice with drills and being on the scout team benefits us in so many ways. They do all of the little things that most people don’t notice.”
Boggess said he hopes he can inspire kids like him, who are growing up as Murray State basketball fans. He’s hopeful that his connection with the community will provide a stronger relationship between himself and Murray State supporters.
Boggess said while he may not be the player to watch on the court, he wants to use his situation as an example for people to follow and achieve their dreams.
On Nov. 4, during Murray State’s season opening game against Bethel University, Boggess checked in late in the game and scored his first collegiate points on a pass from fellow walk-on, Mason Schubert, finally fulfilling his childhood dream.
“You can do whatever you put your mind to,” Boggess said. “If you work hard enough, and you meet the right people and you really go about life in a great way, your dreams can somewhat come true.”
