Join us for “Rock Reflections,” a series celebrating Trinity alumni. From 48 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, we’re reflecting with Steve Stallings '81
Steve Stallings '81 is one of the finest golfers to ever play for Trinity. He went on to become an even better person.
Steve came to Trinity from St. Barnabas Catholic School. His father, the late Robert Stallings, was a member of the first freshman class to have four classes in the building at Trinity. He graduated with the Class of 1960. (Trinity opened in 1953; the first class graduated in 1957.)
“My father attended Trinity, and it seemed like the right place for me,” Steve said. “Looking back, I couldn't have made a better choice.”
Steve was an honor roll-student, Shamrock Award recipient and was a four-year letterman in golf, playing on Trinity’s 1979 and ’80 state championship teams.
“Those years on the golf team helped create a lifelong passion for the game,” Steve said. “Golf has introduced me to incredible friendships, business relationships and opportunities to give back to the community that I never could have imagined as a high school student.”
Steve cherishes the relationships he formed at Trinity that have continued through business, community involvement and experiences over the years.
“The Trinity network is something special, and it's remarkable how often the paths of alumni continue to cross decades later.”
Another defining experience for Steve was the Christian Awakening Senior Retreat.
“Senior Retreat helped me realize that faith isn't something you practice on Sundays; it should guide how you live every day,” he said. “That retreat reinforced that the most meaningful life is one built on faith, strong relationships and serving others.”
Two of Steve’s favorite teachers were John Kahl ’69 and the late Rev. Donald Springman H’94.
“They genuinely cared about us – not just as students but as young men,” Steve said. “Their influence extended far beyond the classroom.”
Trinity never felt like just a school to Steve.
“It felt like a community that believed in you and challenged you to become your best,” he said. “It taught us discipline, accountability, leadership and respect for others. Trinity wasn't just preparing us for college; it was preparing us for life.”
Multi-industry success
Steve attended Louisiana State University on a golf scholarship, earning a bachelor’s degree in history in 1985. He was an esteemed amateur golfer following his college years. He competed in several U.S. Championships (1988, 1996, 2001) and the British Amateur Championship (1998). He also won state and local tournaments through the years. Steve shared his golf passion by serving on the Kentucky Golf Association Board (past president), Kentucky Junior Golf Foundation and other community golf efforts.
Following his amateur golf career, Steve returned to Louisville and started his wide-ranging and successful business career. His professional endeavors span more than 20 plus years over different industries, several concurrently such as insurance, hospitality, real estate and healthcare services.
Steve and his wife, Pam Willinger (Sacred Heart, 1982), entered the food and restaurant industry when they owned and operated several Heavenly Ham retail stores. They later opened Salsarita’s Fresh Mexican Grill of Louisville. Their first store opened in 2006 in St. Matthews. A second store opened in Middletown in 2012. They opened several other stores over the years. The Stallings received numerous industry awards, including Franchisee of the Year and Restaurant of the Year several times by their respective brands. In 2011, Steve and Pam founded SS Rental Properties.
The Stallings’ latest business venture is GameDay Men’s Health, a concierge men’s health and wellness clinic in Louisville focused on helping men optimize their health through hormone optimization, weight management, peptide therapies and preventative health.
“Our goal is to help men improve energy, performance, body composition and overall quality of life through personalized care, comprehensive lab testing and ongoing medical support,” Steve said.
Steve and his family give their talent and treasure to many non-profit organizations, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation and Bravehearts. Additionally, they have supported other children’s health agencies, cancer non-profits and rare-disease advocacy groups by serving on boards, donating time and use of their businesses to support local causes.
Steve has been key to the success of the ISCO Championship, an official FedEx Cup event on the PGA Tour schedule. The 2026 tournament will be held July 9-12 at Hurstbourne Country Club in Louisville
“Some of my greatest rewards have come not from business, but from giving back to the community that has given so much to my family,” Steve said.
Stallings Family legacy
Steve is a generous and loyal Trinity supporter. He established the Stallings Family Memorial Scholarship in memory of his father, Robert, and his cousin James Stallings ’96. He also is an avid Trinity Athletics supporter, sponsoring meals annually for several Shamrock athletic teams. Additionally, Salsarita’s is a Trinity corporate partner.
“Looking back over more than 45 years, I realize that Trinity gave me much more than an education,” Steve said. “It gave me discipline and accountability. Trinity also taught me that success isn't measured by what you accomplish but by the kind of husband, father, friend and servant of God you become.
“Those principles have influenced the way I've tried to lead my family, build businesses, treat people and give back to Louisville. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout every stage of my life, and the older I get, the more I appreciate what Trinity gave me.”
Steve also supports Trinity to invest in the young men of the future.
“The Trinity students of today and tomorrow will one day make a positive impact wherever life takes them – as leaders, professionals, husbands, fathers and neighbors. Trinity invested in me at a very important time in my life. If I can help provide those same opportunities for future generations, then it's one of the best investments I can make. I hope that in some small way I’ve honored what Trinity invested in me by trying to make a positive difference in the lives of others.”
In 2022, Steve was inducted into the Trinity Hall of Fame.
Steve and Pam have been married 37 year and are members or St. Margaret Mary Catholic Parish. They have two children, Samantha and Stephen Jr. Samantha is an elementary school teacher and a passionate advocate for rare disease awareness. Stephen Jr. played professional golf around the world before returning to Louisville.
Share an alumni story!
Do you know a Trinity alumnus with a compelling story? Please reach out to Travis Wagoner '90, Alumni Relations & Communications, 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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