In the picturesque town of Munising, nestled along the shores of Lake Superior, high school basketball isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life. Generations of passionate fans fill the bleachers of the Mustangs’ gymnasium, cheering on their beloved team with unwavering enthusiasm. Among the standout players who have etched their names into the annals of Munising High School basketball history is junior sensation Trevor Nolan—a young athlete whose talent, dedication, and leadership have propelled him to the forefront of the sport.

The Mustangs’ recent success can be attributed to their exceptional teamwork and talent. The varsity team this year closed the 2024 season with a conference win, marking their tenth consecutive victory and reaching the third regional in 71 years, thus demonstrating their proficiency on numerous occasions. Notably, the 2023 varsity team, on which Nolan was a key starting player, secured another regional championship (the first win since the 1954 team), in addition to clinching a state championship title in 2023.

Moreover, the coaching styles of Prunick and Kienitz have redefined the Mustang basketball program. While Prunick focuses heavily on defense, ensuring the team’s resilience and strategic play, Kienitz serves as the team motivator, igniting the players’ passion and drive. This combination of coaching philosophies has contributed to the Mustangs’ success on and off the court, creating a legacy of excellence that Trevor Nolan proudly represents.

Trevor Nolan’s passion for basketball ignited at a young age. “I’ve been around basketball my whole life,” Nolan said. “Both my Dad and my Uncle Mark played for the Mustangs and were large influences for me. I started out shooting hoops in our kitchen; that’s where my love for the game really took off.”

His father, Tom Nolan, fondly recalls the early days of his son’s basketball journey. “Trevor’s always been passionate and deeply in love with the game of basketball. It’s been truly rewarding to witness his development and the dedication he’s shown.” Reflecting on Nolan’s early years, Tom said, “I remember when he was just a little baby. He couldn’t even walk yet. He had this tiny hoop and a little ball, and he would try to shoot it into the hoop. As he grew older, we got him mini hoops, and he played with them so much that he wore them out. Then, before I knew it, I was buying a hoop for the driveway, and his passion for basketball just kept growing. It’s been such a joy to watch him progress, and now reaching those 1000 points. I am just so proud of him.”

Nolan was also a mini Mustang. Before Terry Kienitz was a varsity coach, he coached Nolan from 3rd grade to 6th grade, before picking him up again as a junior varsity player his freshman year. Now, as a junior with the Munising Mustangs varsity basketball team, a team that has been making waves with their remarkable performance on the court.

“Trevor, he’s been an excellent ballplayer his entire life, starting when I first coached him back in 3rd grade. He’s been that go-to guy. Everybody’s looking for him to score and be the leader on the court,” said Terry Kienitz. “As he has progressed from being a freshman on the JV team to now varsity, he’s grown from a contributor to a leader.”

His journey has not been a solitary one. Nolan has also found inspiration in his teammates, coaches, and former Mustang basketball players like Cade Contreras, Kane Nebel, and Cully Trzeciak. He fondly remembers his time as a team manager for the varsity team, where he looked up to Contreras. “As a young kid, I was a manager for the varsity team, and Cade Contreras was one of the players I looked up to,” said Nolan. “He played a big role in my basketball development, taking me to the gym and teaching me a lot.”

Cade Contreras, who played for the Mustang varsity team from 2016 to 2018, takes pride in having helped to shape Nolan’s early relationship with basketball. Tom Nolan served as the assistant coach during Contreras’ tenure. Nolan and now fellow teammate and varsity co-captain Carson Kienitz would accompany their fathers to every practice. “Trevor and Carson were always shooting around, really putting in the time,” said Contreras. “What stood out about Nolan is his eagerness to learn; he was always asking questions. Trevor Nolan is a sponge. He absorbs all the knowledge he can possibly get.”

Indeed, Nolan’s prowess on the court has not gone unnoticed. Former teammates and 2023 State Championship co-captains Kane Nebel and Cully Trzeciak echo Contreras’ sentiments, highlighting Nolan’s impact on the team’s success. “Trevor’s super competitive, which is a good thing and a bad thing. He saw that and we worked with him to tone it down and focus on the good competitive,” says Kane Nebel. “He’s also tenacious and a super hard worker. He would be putting up shots at the gym for 4 1 ⁄ 2 hours every night. As the senior players on the team, we felt that it was important for us to support that, and so it inspired us to work harder.”

“I think everyone knows Trevor’s a really, really hard-working guy. He always puts in those extra hours that really improve his game. With his game knowledge and being able to shoot the ball, I’m not going to take any credit for developing Trevor into the player he is; he put in the work,” said Cully Trzeciak.

Nebel emphasizes Nolan’s importance in the program. “Trevor sets a great example, both on and off the court. He’s always there to support his teammates, fostering teamwork and camaraderie.”

Nolan’s consistent scoring has evolved over the years to also include strong rebound skills, tough defensive play, and an ability to hit crucial shots from downtown, helping propel Munising to key victories.

Chris Prunick, Mustang varsity basketball assistant coach, emphasized Nolan’s defensive aptitude alongside his offensive skills. “Everybody sees very much how Trevor shoots the ball and how skilled he is offensively. What a lot of people don’t see is he’s also great defensively, and he’s one of the guys we can really lean on,” Prunick stated, citing Nolan’s standout performance in the recent game against St. Ignace, where he successfully defended against Johnny Ingalls, considered one of the top players in Class D in the State.

“Tough people get back up when they get knocked down. Trevor Nolan gets knocked down, gets back up, and hits a 25-footer,” said Contreras. “I think that’s a huge difference with Trevor. He’s a dog. He is constant. He’s never intimidated. He’s ready to go.”

Prunick further highlighted Nolan’s unparalleled work ethic in overcoming obstacles. “Trevor doesn’t shy away from adversity; he confronts it head-on,” Prunick affirmed. ‘In my coaching experience, I’ve never encountered a player with a stronger work ethic. Regardless of the challenges he faces, Trevor’s response is always to work harder.”

Despite his athletic skill, Nolan is a multisport athlete who understands the importance of academics. “I balance academics and athletics by prioritizing academics first because that’s most important. After school, I focus on getting better at basketball and getting the job done. School comes before basketball, and that’s how I balance them,” he explains.

Nolan’s faith plays a significant role in his mental preparedness and game day ritual. “My faith is everything to me. It’s not just about basketball; it’s about my life,” he shares. He relies on his faith for courage, finding joy in the moment and maintaining a lighthearted attitude. His preparation, he says, was already done in the offseason. “I pray before every game and focus on having fun,” Nolan adds.

As for his plans for the next season, Nolan intends to be coachable, focus on details, improve weaknesses, and get better at everything he does. His workout routine intensifies in the offseason. “During the offseason, I wake up at 6:00 in the morning, go to the gym with Jordan Prunick to get some shots. Then, I head to Marquette for weightlifting training at Advantage. Later in the day, I work on other skills,” said Nolan, his dedication to the game evident.

“Trevor has a passion for the game that is unmatched and a strong work ethic to compliment. He is dedicated to improving his game and just genuinely loves the game,” said Jordan Prunick. “I’m truly excited to watch what he can bring to the game his senior year and at the collegiate level.”

Nolan’s ambitions are not limited to personal growth. His determination is evident as he has set his sights on becoming the highest- scoring player at Munising High School, a record currently held by Shane Peterson with 1472 points. “My main goal is to win another state championship. Personally, I aim to become the school’s all-time leading scorer,” said Nolan.

Trevor Nolan’s journey is a testament to his love for the game, his unwavering faith, and his relentless pursuit of excellence. As he continues to strive for his goals, Nolan serves as an inspiration to many, embodying the true spirit of basketball.

Looking ahead, Nolan’s basketball journey is poised for even greater heights. With the support of his family, teammates, and coaches, he continues to hone his skills, chase his dreams, and inspire all those who follow in his footsteps. As the Munising Mustangs embark on their next chapter, one thing remains certain—Trevor Nolan’s legacy will endure, a shining testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence.