Trey Wallace always knew his future was in sports. He thrives on the adrenaline of game days—the fast-paced energy, behind-the-scenes coordination, and the satisfaction of knowing he played a key role in making an event happen—as it is what fuels his passion for sports. As a sophomore at IU Indianapolis, double majoring in Event and Sports Management with a Business Certificate from the Kelley School of Business, he is already laying the foundation for a successful career in the industry.
Trey’s interest in sports management was deeply rooted in his lifelong passion for sports, further affirmed by a career placement test conducted prior to college, which confirmed his aptitude for the field. Situated in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, a city renowned for its strong sports presence and professional teams, IU Indianapolis provided the ideal environment for him to turn this vision into a reality. Since then, Trey has swiftly gained valuable hands-on experience, including roles with the Indianapolis Pacers, event management for the Indy Ignite Pro Volleyball Team, and overseeing operations for IU Indy athletics, all of which have contributed significantly to his professional development in the sports management industry.
One of Trey’s most transformative experiences came from working with the Indiana Pacers. It all started with a simple conversation during a Sports Management Club meeting, where he participated in a mock interview. One of the interviewers, a Pacers employee, was struck by Trey’s passion, enthusiasm, comprehensive knowledge, and deep-rooted connection to the team and the sports industry. Impressed by his readiness and potential, the conversation evolved into a job offer to work behind the scenes at Pacers games and other events at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
In his current role, Trey is responsible for setting up the court, coordinating preparations for concerts, and overseeing the smooth operation of various game-day activities, ensuring that every aspect runs flawlessly. But the highlight of his time with the Pacers came during the NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis. It was an experience unlike any other. He worked tirelessly, logging 60-hour weeks, but the effort was worth it. He found himself surrounded by NBA legends, witnessing the biggest names in the sport up close.
“I saw just about any NBA player you could think of,” he recalled. “It was one of the greatest experiences I have ever had.”
Trey’s dedication did not go unnoticed. Each year, the Pacers organization recognized twelve employees a month for going above and beyond, and Trey was honored at halftime during a game. Standing on the court in front of thousands of fans, he realized just how much he had accomplished.
Beyond the Pacers, Trey’s passion for sports extended to other roles. He works with the Ignite volleyball team, engaging with fans by throwing t-shirts into the crowd, managing timeouts, and handling game-day promotions. He also gained experience with IU Indy’s game staff, working events for volleyball and soccer and building a network of valuable connections in the industry.
His experiences in the industry are what encouraged him to double-major, recognizing that event management was just as crucial to the sports industry as the game itself. His professors also played a key role in his professional and academic development. One of them, working as the VP of Game Operations for the Pacers, shared behind-the-scenes insights from an overseas Pacers game in France, while another professor worked as a statistician for both the Colts and the Pacers. Being surrounded by industry professionals meant Trey had direct access to people who could shape his future.
Trey’s passion for sports traces back to his family. It was his grandfather who truly ignited his passion for basketball. A devoted Indiana Pacers fan and a friend of the legendary Larry Bird, Trey’s grandfather made sure he grew up immersed in the game. Some of his earliest memories involve attending games with his grandfather and father, soaking in the energy of the crowd and the electric atmosphere of the Indianapolis basketball, something that he still enjoys to this day.
Outside of sports, Trey stays involved in his community. As a volunteer for the Honors College, he helps at animal shelters, food pantries, and major sports events through the Indianapolis Sports Corp. He is also a leader in his fraternity, Tau Kappa Epsilon, serving as the historian and managing alumni relations and social media.
Academically, Trey pushes himself with honors projects that align with his passion. One of his favorite projects focused on giving a behind-the-scenes look at the NBA All-Star event, showing students what it takes to execute such a massive production. Another project that he developed was on the Olympics, studying how cities repurpose their facilities long after the games end. This summer, he will add another milestone to his resume—working the WNBA All-Star Weekend in Indy.
Trey envisions a future in facility operations, ideally continuing his journey with the Pacers. He knows breaking into the sports industry is tough, but he is already proving that persistence and connections open doors.
“Just getting your foot in the door is the hardest part,” he said. “But once you get there, you have so many connections that will help you move on.”
For students hoping to follow a similar path, Trey has simple but valuable advice: volunteer for everything, talk to your professors, and take every opportunity to get involved. His journey is proof that passion, hard work, and the willingness to make connections in the industry can turn a love for sports into a lifelong career.
