For some dads, fatherhood goes beyond simply showing up — it means creating a home where every child feels equally loved, supported, and seen. Those who know Trent Tholen say that is exactly what he does.
Trent is a father to three boys and spends much of his time coaching basketball, baseball, and helping with sports across multiple age groups. But his impact reaches beyond the field. In his blended family, he makes it a priority that every child feels included. Not just his own sons, but his granddaughter as well.
Family members say one of Trent’s greatest strengths is his patience. Whether he’s sitting at a tiny craft table doing projects, helping with schoolwork, encouraging kids through sports, or having one-on-one conversations after a long day, he puts kids first.
He keeps them active with water sports, outdoor adventures, ball games, and activities that pull them away from screens and bring them together. But those closest to him say the biggest lessons he teaches aren’t about sports at all, but about responsibility, respect, encouragement, and kindness.
What stands out most to his family is the way he treats every child equally.
"With a blended family, it isn't always easy," his nominator shared. "He could put his boys ahead of my granddaughter, but he never does. She feels just as included as his own three boys. That's what I respect most about him."
For Trent, being a father figure doesn't seem to be about grand gestures. It's the everyday moments: the conversations, the encouragement, the patience, and making sure every child knows they matter.
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Until next time,
“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much”