While at Marshfield, Trendell earned an honorable mention in the All-Midwestern League in 1979, First team All-Midwestern League in 1980, and Midwestern League MVP in 1981. Also in 1981, he was named First Team All-State, First team All-State Tournament, and State Tournament MVP. He was also selected as an Honorable Mention Converse All-American and a McDonald’s All-America Nominee. His high school career ended being selected MHS Athlete Citizen of the Year. After graduating, Trendell received a full-ride scholarship and played basketball at the University of Oregon for three seasons. He then spent his final year of eligibility playing at Northwest Christian University. That season, the Beacons were national champions and he was voted to the First team All-National Tournament. Trendell then spent two years playing professionally in Germany.
Sports have been a passion of Trendell’s from a very young age. He said he credits some of that to local businessman Stan McSwane allowing him to play on his basketball court whenever he wanted.

“Stan had the best court in the city,” Trendell said. “I spent a lot of time there and made a lot of game winners on that hoop.”

Trendell said that his greatest athletic accomplishment was the third place finish he lead his team to in 1981.

“That was definitely something special,” Trendell said. “We had the whole community behind us. It is something I will never forget.”

Looking back, Trendell said he dedicates much of his success to his dedication to the game of basketball.

“Hard work will take you a long way,” Trendell said. “That and being a good teammate, those are two things everyone needs.”