The passing of David Troutman continually reminds the Trinity community to live up to the standards of the maximum effort of your soul.

Known for his leadership on and off the baseball field from 2022 to 2024, Troutman was more than just a coach – he was a mentor and a light in a dark room. The players of the baseball team saw him as a goofball, often earning funny nicknames such as “Shiesty.” On the other hand, he was the first to let a player know they messed up and how to improve. This multi-faceted personality is what allowed him to succeed so well with so many.

Rick Arnold, who is the head coach of the baseball team and has also been best friends with Troutman for over 30 years, fondly said: “He wasn’t an old man, he had cancer. But in typical David fashion, he wouldn’t let out how much pain he was in.” Troutman was very private; he didn’t let the struggles of himself weigh on the team’s shoulders during his final bout with cancer. It was through his selflessness that allowed him to only want the team to succeed. As Shannon Troutman, David’s wife described it, “He would have a terrible day at work and would end up smiling coming through the door when he got home from practice.” His passion for the game and his love for what Trinity stood for should be mirrored for future generations of Trinity’s students.

David Troutman to me, as a current player on the Trinity Baseball team, was someone one could lean on to tell the truth, even if you didn’t want to hear it. His honesty is what so many strive for, yet so little achieve. He didn’t mince his words either, he was just himself. Shannon Troutman said, “He was always able to tell people the truth, that was one reason I loved him dearly.” He had a way of keeping relationships professional, yet personal at the same time. Whether they liked it or not, this is what allowed Troutman to form intimate relationships with so many people.

David Troutman’s legacy will continue to live among the Trinity community, especially those who had the privilege of knowing him. His unwavering honesty, dedication, and ability to balance mentorship with genuine connection is who Troutman was. Though he is no longer physically present, his spirit of resilience and selflessness will forever guide those who strive to live up to his example. #TroutStrong.