Trevecca’s Cheyenne Trotter earns Gulf South player of the week after standout start

Maven McGregory

Senior Reporter

Cheyenne Trotter was in fourth grade when she first played basketball for her elementary school team. She was invited by her teacher to play and continued to play until the collegiate level. 

“It was a new teacher at my school wanting to put together a basketball team. I started playing kind of later than most people because most people start young. But I ended up being pretty good,” said Trotter 

It wasn’t until later in eighth grade that Trotter started playing basketball with a more experienced team.  

“I remember in 8th grade, I played with the high schoolers. Since then, I’ve been on the varsity team since my freshman year. My sophomore year of high school, we went to state for the first time in 27 years. I’ve kind of just been carrying it out from there,” said Trotter  

Originally from Springfield, Illinois, she completed two years at Johnny Logan Community College and is now at Trevecca. 

Now as captain and senior forward, Trotter’s performance earned her Gulf South Player of the Week ending Sunday, November 23, 2025. 

Trotter says that beginning her journey under her high school coaches prepared her for this moment. 

“My high school coaches laid the foundation for me and set the bar for me by teaching me life skills. They’ve played very important roles in my journey throughout college, and I can still come to them for advice,” said Trotter 

The foundation she built in high school helped prepare her, but her college experience shaped her into the player she is today.  

“I’ve had a different coach every year in college. Having those different backgrounds, different coaching skills, and different ways to see the game have helped. In having four different coaches, that’s four different playing styles, four different ways of teaching, four different, you know, structures of a team,” said Trotter 

Changing environments challenged her but also strengthened her as an athlete and became a turning point for her spiritually.  

“At my last school, my last coach was my pastor. I feel like it really put the icing on the cake, not just for basketball, but also for me spiritually,” said Trotter 

Now, Trotter says that Trevecca feels like home to her by strengthening her faith.  

“I wanted to get closer with God and strengthen my faith. Meeting the people at Trevecca and the community feeling here has really helped me with not only basketball, but also like my faith,” said Trotter 

For Trotter, being recognized as the Gulf South player of the week was a moment of affirmation. 

“I feel like my work is paying off. I didn’t expect to get it so early on, but I knew that it was a goal of mine for the season. Overall, it set my standard because now every week needs to be a better week,” said Trotter 

Head women’s basketball coach Doug Novak highlights Trotter’s qualities. 

“Her practice habits, attention to detail, and ability to make others better are three things that really stand out in being a great basketball player and she exemplifies all three,” said Novak.

Trotter’s motivation comes from her family.  

“My family motivates me. I’m a good leader, someone that’s open, and energetic. My dad passed away in 2023 and that’s my reason to keep going so hard,” said Trotter   

Her drive is rooted in her desire to keep growing and from appreciating how much the game has opened for her. 

“I’ll be a first generation student. I have no college debt. I’ve seen the places that basketball has taken me; the scholarships, the people I’ve met, and the opportunities it’s given me. All of that motivates me,” said Trotter

According to Trevecca Athletics, Trotter is leading the Trojans this season with 17.1 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.4 steals, and 2.0 assists per game. She scored 14 points in Trevecca’s 64-55 loss to the University of Alabama in Huntsville on Dec. 11.

The Trojans prepare for their next game on Dec. 13 against the University of West Alabama.