Bo Wilkinson
ASU Student Journalist

Torren Union finds success in multiple sports through his positivity

November 28, 2018 by Bo Wilkinson, Arizona State University


Family and friends of Torren Union. (Photo courtesy of Torren Union)

Some people spend a lifetime searching for their passion. For Torren Union, he knew at age 5 that he was meant to grace the gridiron and the hardwood.

Union, a senior at Marcos de Niza High School, has been turning heads all over the state for his talent in both football and basketball.

One thing that sets him apart as an athlete and as a leader is the positive attitude he carries with him at all times.

“It’s just who I am as a person," Union said. "I do it around the house, around school, or wherever I am. It’s just a positive energy that I like to give off to people and friends and family just to make sure that they’re good and that everything is running smoothly.” 

This attitude is part of the reason Torren was so dangerous on the football field. He was named to the Desert Sky Region 1st Team for his play at defensive back, but he was more than happy to fill any role that he could for the team as he also appeared in five games at quarterback and led the team in receiving yards with 335 and four touchdowns.

“I embrace all the factors of becoming an athlete, "Union said. "I like to be the factor that can change the game in any shape or form. To be that factor on the field where coach can depend on me. I take that as an advantage, but I do admit I love my position as a DB.”

Marcos de Niza men’s basketball head coach Dave Stark raved about Union’s positive energy and coachability.

“He has a great personality and he is very coachable,” Stark said. “He is a competitor and he shows that he really knows how to get other kids going. He is super nice and very respectful, but you know he wants to win, and he is going to go hard, and he will get the best out of the other guys. Torren is such a happy-go-lucky kid, but deep down he can get fired up.”

So, does football improve his talents on the hardwood, and does basketball improve his talents on the field?  Stark would say it does.

“He is a good athlete and a good leader and some of those skills definitely transfer over to help us out in the basketball realm,” Stark said.. “He is a two-sport athlete for sure.”

Torren’s favorite moment playing sports doesn’t come from a game-winning shot or a pick six, but something much bigger than any single play or statistic.

“My favorite memory on the basketball court would probably be sharing the court with my bigger brother," he said. "He is always the one pushing me, telling me how to get better, and showing me different moves.” 

Family is a huge part of Torren’s life, and he received some love on Twitter from his uncle after a sensational 70-yard dash to the end zone against Tempe back in September.  That uncle happens to be Dwyane Wade, the same one that has appeared in 12 NBA All-Star games, won three championships with the Miami Heat, and has been crowned NBA Finals MVP.

Wade said in his tweet, “Since it’s football Sunday i wanted to show some love to our nephew @t_boogie15 on his game last night. Keep going kid. They will soon understand! #WadeUnion #WUfamily”

Union says he has received some good advice from Wade that he has been able to use to help him improve his game on the basketball court.

“Every time I go out there, he looks to get me better at every aspect of the game whether it is passing, scoring, being a teammate, or being vocal. He just pushes every aspect of the game and tries to teach me up on any point that he can provide,”  Union said.

Union is certain that he wants to play either football or basketball at the next level, but as of now, he isn’t quite sure which one.

Regardless of the path he chooses to take, Torren Union has the positive energy and talent to take him wherever he wants to go in life.