2024 | Michigan | BOYS

Grandville | Bulldogs | BOYS

Dear Hobey Baker Character Committee;

I’ve been blessed to have known Trammell (Tram) Fields now for the better part of a decade. Tram is one of the finest young people I’ve had the fortune to coach.

My relationship with Tram began as his youth hockey coach, and from that day on he remains the same faith-filled, compassionate and dedicated young person he was as a 9-10 year old. In his younger days, Tram stated his desire was to attend the University of Notre Dame. I have a hard time remembering back when a younger Tram did not have a Notre Dame hat or shirt on…he has now been accepted to Notre Dame and will attend this fall!

4 years ago Tram made the very tough choice to leave his home school district of Allendale to attend Calvin Christian to pursue the opportunity to broaden his faith and to surround himself with a more Christ-Centered education. Since that decisive moment, Tram has become a leader within both his grade and throughout Calvin Christian. Tram has become a mentor and friend to all.

During Tram’s sophomore year he was diagnosed with a heart-condition that, at the time, seemed to all but end his hockey playing career. I remember being amazed at how he had handled the news… he was reflective and mature, not bitter, believing that this was all part of a bigger plan and that if he placed his faith in Christ things would turn out for the best. We had a number of talks over that time-period and he always remained hopeful, even staying with our team and helping in any way he could off the ice. Thankfully about 18 months ago Tram received word that a procedure on his heart would allow him to resume his hockey-playing career. Following many consultations with the surgeons at the University of Michigan, Tram and his parents chose to go ahead with the 6 hour long surgery. Now a senior, Tram is a co-Captain and leader by example. Any young person would naturally have felt they were dealt an unfair blow to their dreams and desires, yet that never appeared to be the case with Trammell throughout this ordeal. He remained optimistic and focused on helping others…

I’ve coached and mentored hundreds of young people over my tenure as head coach at Grandville, yet Tram stands out as one of the best of the best. His positive can-do nature, his optimism, perseverance and his faith are accentuated by his caring nature and this just sets such a great example for all of us to be reminded of what our potential and role as a human should be.

Please consider Trammell Fields as one of the finest applicants I’ve ever submitted for the Hobey Baker Character Award.

Sincerely;

Joel M. Breazeale
Grandville Varsity Hockey – Head Coach