As Trinity High School’s football team chases its third straight championship, starting left tackle Nate Shields knows the expectations and the grind it takes to win another. Shields, a four-year starter in the program, has grown into a leader on the field and an excellent student in the classroom. His journey has been defined by hard work, resilience, and balance between athletics and academics.

For Shields, the goals this season are simple: stay healthy and keep winning. “The goal is obviously the three-peat,” he said, “and to just have a healthy, successful season.” That confidence has become second nature to him. Mondays begin with a light lift and film study. Tuesdays serve as the heaviest workday, with drills and looks against the defense. Wednesdays are dedicated to breaking down the opposing defense, and Thursdays focus on walk-throughs. All week, players study film to prepare for the next big game, whether it’s a powerhouse like Moeller or a rival like St. X.

Balancing football with academics is no easy task. “It’s definitely a long process,” Shields admitted. “Since it’s my fourth year now, I’ve gotten used to it, but there have been some late nights.” Trinity holds its athletes to a standard, requiring good grades to remain eligible. Three failing grades mean a player can’t take the field.

Shields also knows the challenge of adversity. Last season, he tore the MCL in his left knee, forcing him to miss six weeks. “It was really hard mentally, just watching my team play without me,” he said. He later returned in time for the district games and helped Trinity push through the playoffs in routine fashion to another championship.

Looking back, Shields remembers his “welcome to the team” moment during his freshman year, when he was pulled up to varsity. In one practice, veteran lineman Eliza Hernandez threw him during a play, sending the then-200-pound freshman flying five yards back. That was the moment he realized the difference in levels.

Shields chose Trinity not just for its academic reputation but for its football tradition. Inspired by his siblings, he has been playing since third grade, building his passion into a career. When asked his go-to meal at Trinity, he didn’t hesitate: “Chicken sandwich all day, every day.”

For Shields, football at Trinity is more than just a game—it’s a culture, a family, and a legacy he will carry into his senior season.