Trevon Chislom: Behind the Jersey
February 15, 2024
Written by Jalen Nicholson-Bourn | Photos by Craig Schreiner, submitted
Trevon Chislom's journey in basketball goes far deeper than the fabric of a jersey. It encompasses a profound transformation, resilience in the face of adversity, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence that defines his career for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men’s basketball team.
“Wearing the Warhawk jersey is more than just putting on clothes — it embodies a mindset and values that matter deeply to me,” said Chislom, a journalism major from McFarland and a starter for the UW-Whitewater’s 2023 Final Four team.
It represents a commitment to a common goal, a relentless determination, and a winning attitude that he proudly upholds. Each time Chislom wears that jersey, it's a promise to give his best, compete hard, and aim for victory — a commitment that resonates with his unwavering dedication to the game.
Chislom’s journey to this point includes numerous peaks and valleys. As he reflects on the transformation of the program from his freshman year, when the Warhawks struggled to maintain a winning record, to the tragic loss of teammate Derek Gray in 2022, to last year’s remarkable run to the NCAA Division III national semifinals, and to being nationally ranked in the top 5 this preseason, Chislom recalls an incredible journey.
Pictured: Trevon Chislom holds the NCAA Sectional Trophy. (Photo/submitted)
“DG4” — the jersey patch donned by the Warhawks to remember Gray, who passed away from a heart condition — was a key mindset in last year’s amazing run in the postseason, when the team won the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference tournament and won four straight games on the road in the NCAA Tournament to reach the program’s sixth Final Four.
The loss of Gray was a profoundly heartbreaking moment for Chislom and the team, especially given their personal connections to him. Their response, however, was a testament to their unity, rallying together as “one team and one family,” providing unwavering support during their darkest hours.
“Supporting Derek’s mom during those tough times and ensuring she felt the embrace of a team that cared was a priority for us, especially as we headed into the Final Four,” Chislom said. The belief that Gray’s spirit was watching over them became a driving force that propelled them toward victory, with his memory always in their minds.
The Warhawks Men’s Basketball Team, along with Traci Pine, mother of Derek Gray, remain on the court for a ceremony honoring teammate Derek Gray. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)
Chislom and the Warhawks are led this season by interim head coach Jarod Wichser, who took over for Pat Miller following Miller’s retirement over the summer. The team enters the week with a 17-7 record, including a 7-6 mark against conference competition.
Wichser’s influence, combined with Miller's impactful coaching and guidance, has transformed Chislom’s game for the better. Starting primarily as a frontcourt player before adding perimeter skills, including a strong jump shot, Chislom’s evolution on the court reflects the dedication and skill refinement brought about by his coaches' guidance. He currently averages 15.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game with impressive shooting numbers — 55.6 percent from the floor, 51 percent from 3-point range and 73.4 percent from the free-throw line. All three of those figures rank among the top 12 in the conference.
“In my sophomore year, Coach Miller saw the potential in transitioning me to a wing player and worked on developing my shot,” Chislom said. “Last year, I shot an impressive 50 percent, and this year, I'm continuing to have a strong performance.”
Chislom is a testament to the enduring spirit and the values that define unwavering pursuit of excellence of being a Warhawk. Behind the jersey, his journey encapsulates a profound narrative of resilience, growth, and a spirit that continues to drive him towards greatness on and off the court.
Chislom has channeled his passion for the game and Warhawk spirit as a coach at the team’s youth basketball camps during the summer months. Last summer, UW-Whitewater hosted nearly 500 youth boys at its camps.
Chislom coached a group of players during a boys basketball camp on the UW-Whitewater campus. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)
Chislom graduates in May 2024 and looks to continue his love of sports as a sports journalist.