A Valpo Life in the Spotlight: Trevor Faughnder

Though he’s only a senior at Valparaiso High School, Trevor Faughnder is already making heavy-hitting changes in his world, starting with the community he lives in. He was in eighth grade when he pitched the idea to his mother that he wanted to play football. He has used his skills as a punter and a kicker to get involved in Every Kick Counts, a football fundraising campaign that promotes awareness for preventing stillbirths. By downloading the free Count the Kicks app, expecting parents can track their babies movements so they can be more aware and try to prevent stillbirths.

Faughnder comes from a large football family. He has two older brothers who both played in high school as well as a grandpa, great uncles, and cousins who played for various colleges. His decision to play football came in part from a desire to make more friends as he transitioned from his small private school to the much larger public high school. “Football team is another family. I love these guys. We have a solid team with a lot of potential,” he said.

Choosing to participate in Every Kick Counts, Faughnder also honors his past. Doctors initially told his mom when she was pregnant that he wouldn’t make it. However, the faith of his mother and a trip to a specialist who found a testing error saved him, and now he’s on a mission to repay the favor.

“The best thing about being involved with a charity is the people in the community who tell me it means a lot to them,” he said. “The outreach is great. I love giving back to the community. The fact that this has been something I’ve been able to do and that people are starting to learn more about this organization and spread the word means the absolute world to me.”

There are always large goals in mind for Faughnder. He began his fundraising journey hoping to raise $1,000. Before his season had even begun, he had exceeded that mark. His focus at this point is on continuing to raise money and to bring more awareness to the program so others who follow in his footsteps can do the same.

“I want to help raise awareness for Count the Kicks. I want the community to help in any way they can–whether that’s through giving more money or spreading the word about the program,” he said. “It’s all about saving babies. Acquiring as many resources as possible for the organization and spreading the word helps.”

Currently, Faughnder is looking to play football at the college level. He has been taken in by the game ever since he started playing freshman year. His family plays their role by cheering for him and always supporting him.

“My Grandpa Nondorf is a big influence on me. He grew up with six siblings and no money in Hammond. He went to Wabash College where they he was a four-year football starter and team captain. He put himself through college and dental school while playing football, working, and raising a family. He moved to Valparaiso and put every ounce of his being into his business, his family, his church, and giving back to the community in all the ways he could. That’s my family- work hard and play hard,” he said. “Growing up to see everything he’s done, I look at that and I want to do that as well.”

When he’s not busy with football, Faughnder is hanging out with friends, his family, or his girlfriend or enjoying online video games with his siblings. Besides that, he also likes to golf. On the weekends, he attends his church, Immanuel Lutheran, where he volunteers and participates in youth group.

Born in Kansas, Faughnder credits the Valparaiso community with the opportunity to grow up close to his family. Valparaiso High School football has given him a chance to give back to his community through sports. While he’s experienced both victory and defeat, nothing can beat the place that’s become his hometown.

“Valpo is big on taking care of others and being there for each other, and that’s how we show our strength. Nothing breaks this community. It doesn’t matter if there’s a bad storm or a road is blocked or whatever; everybody bands together, and we get through it,” he said. “I wouldn’t trade this community for anything. It’s really special.”