By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Softball Standout Shay Trent Making A Name For Herself
shay trent
OHS alum Shay Trent will be continuing her softball career and education at William Jessup University in Rocklin. The last two seasons, Trent has played center field for Delta College in Stockton. DENNIS D. CRUZ/THE LEADER

For years, Shay Trent has been referred to as “Frankie’s little sister”. Although she loves her older brother very much, she has now stepped out of his shadow and is making a name for herself on the softball field. Trent graduated from Oakdale High School in 2017 and first took her talents to San Joaquin Delta College.

“To be honest, after high school I was not sure where I wanted to go, I just knew that I wanted to play softball,” said Trent. “While I was in high school I saw a lot of my teammates commit to four year schools, but I never got that. I had a few options and decided to go to Delta.”

Admitting she wasn’t sure how it would turn out for her at the local school, Shay said she’s glad now that she made the decision.

This past year Trent played in 46 games where she had a batting average of .340 with six home runs and 25 runs batted in. While there she made the most of her time and made lifelong friends along the way.

“I’m very grateful for my time with Delta College. I made great friends and my coaches were amazing, maybe the best I’ve ever had. Coach Jim Fisher upped my mental game. In just the two years I was there he taught me so much and I will never forget him. These are lessons I will take with me during my career.”

In her freshman season the team took seventh in state. It was during Trent’s sophomore season that she began to blossom as an overall player. Her work ethic and skills helped promote her to team captain for the Delta College Mustangs, where she also earned All-NorCal honors. This season the Mustangs placed fourth in the state.

“It’s a big accomplishment to place in the top ten in the state, let alone in the top five,” she said.

The center fielder began her college days as a second baseman but was quickly moved to center field where she stayed.

“I was recruited to play second base, but we had many injuries to our outfield so coach moved me out to center. I was never moved back,” she explained.

Although Trent had an enjoyable experience at Delta College, she has decided to move on from the Mustangs to join William Jessup College in Rocklin.

“The recruiting process was aggressive. The folks at William Jessup College wanted me and were impressed with not just my softball skills but also my academics. I was offered a very generous scholarship and I also won a math scholarship as well,” she said. “I credit God for this opportunity. I really didn’t think I was going to be able to go there. I really didn’t see it being a reality. It’s truly perfect, because I can continue playing softball, excel in my math major and it’s a great Christian school as well.”

Trent wanted to thank her family, including her parents Frank and Shannon Trent and her brother Frankie for all the support over the years.

“This is going to be the first time that I am going away from home,” she said, adding that it is close enough for her to travel home on weekends when her schedule allows.

Trent begins school at William Jessup in the fall.