By: Isabella Areyano
Trey Munoz’s name is synonymous with excellence on the wrestling mat: a 2x All-American, 3x Pac-12 Champion, and 3x Academic All-American. But beyond the accolades and his dominance at 184 and 197 pounds for Oregon State, there’s a deeper story that makes Trey the person and athlete he is today. I had the privilege of speaking with Trey to explore his journey, values, and passions beyond wrestling.
Originally from Southern California, Trey’s athletic roots run deep. Growing up, he dabbled in a variety of sports—soccer, baseball, boxing, and jujitsu. Despite being immersed in the wrestling world through his father, Mark Munoz—a former professional mixed martial artist and wrestling coach—Trey didn’t step onto the mat himself until eighth grade.
Mark, who coached at Oklahoma State, UC Davis, and Cal State Fullerton, also owned a UFC gym during Trey’s childhood. Trey fondly remembers afternoons spent at the gym, surrounded by professional fighters. With a chuckle, he recalls Anderson Silva gifting him an action figure of himself—a memory that highlights the unique backdrop of Trey’s upbringing.
Interestingly, wrestling wasn’t Trey’s initial passion. His decision to start was motivated by a desire to spend more time with his father. Reflecting on his late start, Trey expressed gratitude for his parents’ hands-off approach to his athletic choices.
“I’m super thankful for my parents. They never really forced me into anything. Any sport I did was my own choice… I’m actually really thankful that happened. I think if you start your kids super early and they have some success, then they can get burnt out pretty easily, especially once they get to the high school and college level.”
Trey’s family remains a foundational pillar of his support system.
“My parents are my biggest supporters. They’re behind me no matter what… I have three sisters too; they’re all awesome.”
The cornerstone in Trey’s life is his faith.
“The biggest part of my growth is with God.”
Trey’s faith keeps him grounded, especially in the face of adversity. He reflects on a recent challenging match against Iowa’s Stephen Buchanan, where Trey leaned on his faith to navigate the whirlwind of emotions and advice that followed.
“There are so many different voices telling me what to do—especially after a big loss—and there’s partial truth to that, but it doesn’t change who I am… My identity doesn’t rely on wins or losses; it relies on who I am as a Son of Christ.”
This mindset helps Trey manage the immense pressure of competing at an elite level.
“Whether I win or lose doesn’t really matter. My biggest focus is giving my best effort out there.”
Trey’s spiritual journey began in a Christian household, attending church every Sunday with his family. However, it wasn’t until his senior year of high school that he experienced a transformative encounter with Christ.
“Then my whole life changed.”
As a college athlete, Trey admits the challenge of maintaining a consistent routine amidst the chaos of travel and competition. However, he prioritizes intentional rest, something he sees as both biblical and essential for peak performance.
“Keeping a sabbath is super important, whether that means I lay on the couch and watch TV all day or if I go outside and take a walk… it doesn’t matter, as long as I’m doing it with God, and as long as it’s refueling me, that’s what matters.”
Off the mat, Trey is fascinated with science and has a passion for teaching.
“Science is really just trying to figure out God’s creation and how God fine-tuned the earth.”
Having recently graduated with a degree in chemistry, Trey aspires to pursue teaching after his wrestling career, whether that’s in a classroom, coaching, or working with athletes on nutrition.
Trey Munoz is more than a decorated wrestler; he’s a man of faith, a devoted family member, and a curious learner who seeks to inspire others both on and off the mat. His story reminds us that greatness is not just about accomplishments—it’s about the values and passions that fuel the journey.
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