Music spurs creative spark in basketball player

Posted on Friday, February 06, 2026

While initially uncertain about life after basketball, it was when he arrived at LaGrange College that senior Trenton Dillard realized how he could turn his love for music into a future career.

“I love the creative process and intentionality that goes into making music,” he said. “Every step is critical, from the idea to the songwriting, to the production, and the feeling you get when everything comes together is like no other.”

Dillard, a Music Production & Audio Engineering major, said he builds his craft in the classroom and the Panther Talk Podcast, on which he serves as audio engineer. In addition, Dillard is also President of Black Male Initiative, a member of Black Student Union and a Student Ambassador.

“The podcast has been a great experience for me,” he said. “The best part of it for me is the people I work with in the studio. Every time we get together, it’s nothing but laughs and good vibes.”

Dillard said the Music program has helped prepare him for what to expect in the industry.

“I have learned techniques that have given me the confidence to be ready to do anything related to music or audio,” he said. “I give a shout out to Music faculty members Dr. Michael Stein, Mr. Paul Hammock and Mr. Garrett Motes as well as former lecturer Kelton Hunt for pouring into me and pushing me to my limits in order for me to succeed.”

Prior to graduation, Dillard will showcase his music written with collaborator Rebecca Miranda ’28 at an album release party on Tuesday, April 21, in Beason Recital Hall.

“Before, I would’ve never thought about performing a song I produced live, but Dr. Stein encouraged me to do it, and now, I am more comfortable playing in front of people,” he said.

Dr. Stein, Associate Professor of Music, said Dillard’s work reflects both creativity and technical excellence.

“He consistently approaches every project with a positive attitude, professionalism and a strong commitment to doing his best work,” he said. “His passion for music is evident not only in the quality of his productions, but also in the collaborative energy he brings to the studio and classroom.”

Why LC?

“If students really want to grow and be challenged, then they should come to LC,” he said. “You will be encouraged to try new things and step out of your comfort zone.”

 

Campus Notes

• Prospective students and their families will visit campus for Winter Preview Day on Saturday, Feb. 14. This is the final one for the academic year. For more information on how to register, visit www.lagrange.edu/admissions.
• Nominations are being taken for alumni awards to be presented during Homecoming 2026, Oct. 23-25. Deadline for submissions is March 20. The Shackelford Distinguished Achievement Alumni Award is given to alumni who have distinguished themselves professionally and brought honor to the college. The award is named for Walter Malcolm Shackelford, a former professor of education (1958-1972) and academic dean of the college (1972-1982). The Outstanding Young Alumni Award goes to someone who graduated from LaGrange College within the past 10 years and who has been distinguished in his or her career and community and has brought honor to the college. For more information or to make a recommendation, contact Martha Pirkle, Director of Alumni and Community Relations, at mpirkle@lagrange.edu or 706-880-8245.

 

Collegiate Enrichment

Photo Walk

Tuesday, Feb. 10

11 a.m., Lamar Dodd Art Center Lobby

• In preparation for the travel course to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons, Assistant Art & Design Professor Robbie Toles will host a photo walk down The Thread from the Lamar Dodd Art Center. Participants will practice various photography techniques. Cameras or mobile phones can be used.

Accountancy to Artistry: Leaving Corporate America for Art and Design with Emily Hampton Stewart ’18

Tuesday, Feb. 10

11 a.m., Corn Auditorium

• LC alumna Emily Hampton Stewart ’18, who shifted from working in corporate finance to interior design, will share about her experiences and her passion for visual art. She is a guest artist in residence for LC Theatre Arts’ next production, ‘The Lost Souls of Tennessee Williams,’ where her paintings will be featured.

Spiritual Life and Sports Management Club: Vernon Strickland

Tuesday, Feb. 10

11 a.m., Dickson Assembly Room

• Vernon Strickland, a former NFL player, lawyer and leader will share about sports, faith and living a good life. Free pizza will be available for the first 30 people.

Law Information Session

Tuesday, Feb. 10

11:15 a.m., Smith Hall Den

• LC alum Peter Alford Jr. ’20, a local practicing attorney, will talk about what he has learned from his experiences.

Editing Session

Thursday, Feb. 12

11 a.m., Third Floor Computer Lab, Lamar Dodd Art Center

• Students who participated in the previous Photo Walk will use Adobe Lightroom to edit their images. Assistant Art & Design Professor Robbie Toles will share best practices, tips and tricks.

Money Talks Financial Literacy Program

Thursday, Feb. 12

11 a.m., Dickson Assembly Room

• Hosted by the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office, this event will be led by a moderator and a panel of Georgia speakers from various financial sectors to educate students on how to be financially independent. The panelists include Shardea Ages, CPA®, co-founder and senior wealth advisor at Collective Wealth Partners; Sileta Bell, president of The Bell Consultants; and Leanne Francis Craport, senior consultant. Moderating the event will be Art Terrell, radio personality.

Illuminate Justice

Thursday, Feb. 12

11 a.m., Multimedia Room 317, Lewis Library

• A representative from Illuminating Justice, a local nonprofit organization that helps people in human trafficking and fights against child exploitation, will speak about how to spot issues and spread awareness.

 

Sports

Men's Basketball

LC fell 83-74 against Maryville College (Maryville, Tennessee) on Friday, Jan. 30. Junior guard Devin Dowell led the Panthers with 16 points on 8-of-14 shooting in just 19 minutes. The team is back on the court on Friday, Feb. 6, when they play host to Piedmont University (Demorest, Georgia) at 6 p.m.

Women's Basketball

The Panthers have run their Collegiate Conference of the South record to a league-best 9-1, maintaining their iron hold on first place in the CCS standings. LC picked up two more wins this past week with a 65-58 win at Maryville on Friday, Jan. 30, followed by a 77-52 win at Wesleyan College (Macon, Georgia) on Tuesday, Feb. 3. Senior power forward Amanda Mclendon posted double-doubles in both games, averaging 19.0 points and 11.5 rebounds per game for the week. The team will be back in action on Friday, Feb. 6, when they play host to Piedmont University at 4 p.m.

Track & Field

LC competed at the South Alabama Invitational hosted by the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama on Sunday, Feb. 1. Freshman Ryheem Mighten broke his own school record in the Men's 400 Meter Dash with a time of 49.74. Freshman Khristian Bell broke her own school record of 10.25m with a 10.36m score in the Women's Triple Jump. Freshman Alan Vidrio Buen Rostro broke his own school record in the men's 800-meter run with a time of 2:17.28. The teams will be back on the track next week when they travel to the Samford Bulldog Invite hosted by Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama.

Baseball

The Panthers will begin their 2026 season on Friday, Feb. 6, when they travel to Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama for the Huntingdon Tournament. LC will play Schreiner University (Kerrville, Texas) on Friday and Saturday before finishing with a game against Berea College (Berea, Kentucky) on Sunday, Feb 8. The team opens their home schedule on Friday, Feb. 13, when they host Millikin University (Decatur, Illinois) in a 6 p.m. game.

 

Panther Calendar

(Please note that schedules may change due to circumstances beyond our control. Please check www.lagrangepanthers.com to confirm.)

Friday, Feb. 6 – Baseball vs. Schreiner University (Kerrville, Texas) @Huntingdon College, 1 p.m., Montgomery, Alabama

Friday, Feb. 6 – Women’s Basketball (Home) vs. Piedmont University (Demorest, Georgia), 4 p.m., Mariotti Gym

Friday, Feb. 6 – Men’s Basketball (Home) vs. Piedmont, 6 p.m., Mariotti Gym

Saturday, Feb. 7 – Women’s Flag Football vs. Emmanuel University (Franklin Springs, Georgia) @Brewton-Parker College, TBA, Mount Vernon, Georgia

Saturday, Feb. 7 – Women’s Flag Football at Brewton-Parker College, 10 a.m., Mount Vernon, Georgia

Saturday, Feb. 7 – Women’s Flag Football vs. Andrew College (Cuthbert, Georgia) @ Brewton-Parker College, 11:45 a.m., Mount Vernon, Georgia

Saturday, Feb. 7 – Baseball vs. Schreiner University @Huntingdon, noon, Montgomery, Alabama

Saturday, Feb. 7 – Men’s Tennis (Home) vs. Marion Military Institute, 1 p.m., Greer Tennis Courts

Saturday, Feb. 7 – Women’s Tennis (Home) vs. Marion Military Institute, 1 p.m., Greer Tennis Courts

Saturday, Feb. 7 – Softball at Point University (Exhibition), 3 p.m., West Point, Georgia

Saturday, Feb. 7 – Baseball vs. Berea College (Berea, Kentucky) @Huntingdon, 3 p.m., Montgomery, Alabama

Saturday, Feb. 7 – Men’s Basketball (Home) vs. Asbury University (Wilmore, Kentucky), 4 p.m., Mariotti Gym

Tuesday, Feb. 10 – Women’s Basketball (Home) vs. Huntingdon College, 5 p.m., Mariotti Gym

Tuesday, Feb. 10 – Men’s Basketball (Home) vs. Huntingdon College, 7 p.m., Mariotti Gym

Wednesday, Feb. 11 – Men’s Basketball at Toccoa Falls College, 6 p.m., Toccoa Falls, Georgia

Category: Students, Academics

Keywords: Fine Arts, Education