Join us for our weekly “Rock Reflections,” a series celebrating Trinity alumni. From all 50 states to countries worldwide, our graduates are making an impact, and we'll share their stories on Trinity's website and social media.
This week's profile is about Josh Sewell '10
Josh Sewell came to Trinity from Kammerer Middle School. He immediately jumped into life at Trinity.
Josh is Trinity’s all-time leading scorer in basketball. His list of basketball accomplishments is lengthy: Kentucky Mr. Basketball runner-up; Seventh Region Player of the Year; Kentucky All-Star; McDonald’s All-American candidate; first team All-State; and MVP of the Louisville Invitational Tournament, King of the Bluegrass Tournament and Fifth Third Bank Holiday Classic Tournament.
“I spent countless hours in the gym,” Josh said. “After practice, I’d still go back to my neighborhood to help train other kids who had dreams of playing at a high level. Basketball has always been a passport for me, helping to bridge the gap between where I come from and ultimately what I want to do with my life. Basketball was my ticket to where I am today.”
Education is one of Josh’s core values. After graduating from Trinity in 2010, Josh attended Miami University (Ohio) on a full academic and basketball scholarship. He earned a bachelor’s degree in public policy/administration in 2014.
However, due to an injury in his senior year at Miami, Josh had a year of basketball eligibility remaining. He then enrolled at Bellarmine University, where he also played basketball as a graduate student and led the Knights to the Division II Final Four in 2015. He earned a master’s degree in digital media at Bellarmine in 2016.
After college, Josh coached at Bellarmine for a year before joining Louisville Metro Government, where he worked on juvenile justice reform. Following his work in politics, he relocated to New York City to pursue his doctorate degree at New York University. Now in the final year of his doctorate program, Josh’s research focuses on how artificial intelligence can be integrated into teaching and learning.
Growing through education
“I have always seen education as a spiritual practice,” Josh said. “I’ve devoted my life to service and to helping others grow through education. One day, I will pivot back into politics.”
With more than 10 years of training and development experience, Josh has collaborated with more than 200 professors, entrepreneurs and subject-matter experts, contributing to expand how people learn, lead and grow.
“My career purpose is to empower people with an intellectual and practical toolbox to solve real-world problems,” Josh said.
Josh is currently the director of online learning and technology at the NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing.
‘Trinity truly took a village to raise us well’
Josh says he was at Trinity during an era of remarkable people. Ken Ellenbrand H’07 and Rob Saxton H’15 were two of his favorite teachers and coaches.
“Coach Ellenbrand was my favorite teacher,” Josh said. “He was passionate, honest, smart and had an uncompromising honor about him. He was a great teacher but an even better person, because no matter what, you knew he cared.
“Similarly, Coach [Rob] Saxton demonstrated leadership in every aspect of his life. I remember him doing the little things – picking up trash after every game, giving life advice and having this relentless commitment to service. Trinity truly took a village to raise us well.”
Josh also credits Trinity for his self-discipline and work ethic.
“I rode the bus to school twice a day, trained twice a day and worked late nights cleaning buildings with my mother,” Josh said. “Those sacrifices built character. More importantly, I came to a school full of love, support and unquestionable commitment to my well-being as a young man.”
Two people who made an impression on Josh were Director of Campus Operations Joe Demling ’68 and Henry Jackson.
“I talked to them every day about life as a young freshman,” Josh said. “I felt like they were the heartbeat of this place and worked so hard in the shadows. I remember and miss that feeling so vividly – the early mornings and late evenings.”
Lifechanging
Lifelong memories are made at Trinity, and it was no different for Josh. He says those four years were some of the best and most challenging years of his life. He remembers the Rockin’ freshman orientation experience, Mr. Alan Wilson’s French class and teaching the new freshmen how to tie a necktie.
“I remember senior year being really intentional about getting to know everyone in my class,” Josh said. “I had such a well-rounded experience; sports were just a bonus. My teammates were my family. I remember the brotherhood and the intentionality put into the curriculum, community building and accountability that surrounded me every day.”
“Trinity changed my life,” he continued. “I had outstanding coaches and teachers who were even better human beings. The accountability I experienced built mental toughness and resilience, making me believe there’s nothing I can’t achieve, especially Mark Corbett, who was my first basketball coach.”
Josh has kept in touch with Trinity classmates and former teachers and coaches since graduating. Former Trinity teacher and assistant basketball coach and current president James Torra H’12 has been a constant connection.
“He built an incredible basketball program, coaching everyone from the Saxton twins to NBA players, and helped me become a Mr. Basketball runner-up,” Josh said. “To this day, he makes sure I feel part of Trinity’s basketball legacy.”
Josh says he keeps an eye on any Trinity basketball player who might challenge his all-time scoring record.
“If they get close, I might just fly back from New York City for a one-on-one game!” Josh said.
Share an alumni story!
Do you know a Trinity alumnus with a compelling story? Please reach out to Travis Wagoner '90, Alumni Relations & Communications Director, at 502-736-2122 or wagoner@trinityrocks.com.
A History of Greatness
Since 1953, Trinity has benefitted from great teachers, resources, and activities to shape and guide promising boys into great men. The 106 students from our first graduating class have been followed by a legacy of academic, personal and cultural achievement. To learn more about our proud heritage, visit https://www.trinityrocks.com/o/trinityfoundation/page/about-us.
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