By Whitney Spencer

Bang. Bang. Bang.
Just one year ago, University of Louisville senior wide receiver Trent Guy heard those sounds echo 19 times as he walked through the parking garage of a local nightclub in the early morning last July.  Fortunately for him, only one of those shots hit him.
“An inch to the right it would have hit my spine, an inch to the left it would have hit a vital organ,” Guy said.
Doctors were able to remove the bullet shortly after Guy was shot, and he was listed in serious condition. He was released less than a week after the incident, and once he was released he headed straight for the University of Louisville football workout complex.
Just two months after the shooting, Guy was declaring himself pain free and was already preparing for his return. His focus was set on football and returning to a team that was looking forward to a breakout season from him. Guy’s quick recovery inspired the entire program.
“He’s a phenomenal player,” junior wide receiver Douglas Beaumont said. ” Just to know he got shot and just being able to come back out and play last year is pretty amazing.”
Guy lobbied relentlessly to be able to return to the field, questioning the doctors at every appointment. Head football coach Steve Kragthorphe had what he called “reins” on Guy to settle him down until it was his time to return. Unfortunately, those reins weren’t long enough. Guy returned to action, but wasn’t ever the same player on the field. On and off the field Guy struggled to get back to where he was before the shooting.
“Last year was tough for me,” Guy said. “It was tough battling back from that. I think I did try to get back out there too early. I played underweight and I just wasn’t really myself last year.”
Guy finished the season with 14 catches for 216 yards and a touchdown. He earned Second Team All Big East recognition as a kick returner. Still, there were glimpses of the old Guy, especially against Memphis when he scored two touchdowns, one of which came on a 95-yard kickoff return.
Details of that night are still a blur. Still, unaware of what exactly happened or even the motive behind it, Guy has accepted that night and moved on. He has learned the value of his hard work on the football field in the process. 
“Physically, I’m fine,” Guy said. “Come Sept. 5 I think I’ll be back to how I used to be.”
This wasn’t the only hardship Trent Guy faced last season. The day he walked out of the hospital, thankful to still have his life, his uncle for whom he was named died. Trenton Guy Sr. was responsible for helping him achieve enough athletic success to attend U of L.  He was the track coach at Guy’s high school in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“Before I come onto the field, before every practice and game, I always bend down and pray to my good God,” Guy said. “I tap my chest twice and point up for my Uncle Trent.”
Guy’s impact on the team last year was felt more in the locker room than on the field. His teammates gained a newfound respect for him with all the struggles he overcame. Now, he is ready for his teammates, his family and himself to make an impact on the field.
“Trent, he’s a soldier,” sophomore receiver Josh Chichester said. “He’s my brother. All hands down to him because the incident he got into, he came back the same year. He’s got the big heart on the team.”