Maricopa comes together to honor Trey Liermann

In a display of community solidarity, Maricopa High School will host a fundraiser on June 14 to pay tribute to Trey Liermann, a former student-athlete who passed away on Nov. 8.  

The event aims to celebrate Trey’s passion for football and raise funds for the school’s summer football camp. It will feature a 7-on-7 football tournament and a big man competition at MHS from 6-8 p.m. 

Jonathan Clark, the head football coach from Desert Sunrise High School, helped organize the event along with MHS assistant coach Chris Leon.  

“I’m just trying to do my part,” Clark said. “Trey played really well; he put up a tough competition.”  

Staff and volunteers from MHS, Desert Sunrise, the Football Boosters Club and Safe House with DJ Mentalz have come together to honor Trey.  

Trey Liermann, known for his unwavering dedication to the sport, left an indelible mark on his community.  

As a wide receiver for the MHS Rams, he proudly wore the number 6 on his jersey, showcasing his talent and commitment on the field. 

And as a memorial for Trey, his locker has remained locked since his passing, allowing students to leave notes for him until the MHS graduation day on May 25.  

Reflecting on his passion for the sport, his mother, Amber Liermann said, “football was Trey’s whole life.”  

“He started playing tackle football when he was 8 years old,” she added. “He just loved it. And when he wasn’t playing, he was watching.”  

Growing up, Trey loved following the NFL, and his favorite team was the Los Angeles Rams. His room was adorned with Rams memorabilia, proudly displaying the iconic blue and yellow colors. 

And for next week’s event, Liermann hopes to create an atmosphere that is natural, enjoyable and most importantly, meaningful. 

“We want to remember his love and passion for football, while bringing the community together,” she said. “We want to emphasize what it means to be a student-athlete, time management, mental health and how to be a leader on campus.”  

Horace Raymond, the director of community relations for the Arizona Cardinals Football Club, will speak at the event, highlighting the highs and lows of being a high school student-athlete.

Liermann fondly remembers her son as a leader both on and off the field, describing him as a kind soul.

“He had a gentle, sensitive heart,” she said. “He was very respectful and very, very loyal. Our family was really proud of him.”  

While MUSD has participated in 7-on-7 tournaments in the past, this year’s event holds special significance as it marks the first tournament held in Trey’s memory. 

The tournament games will be played in 25-minute intervals, allowing the students to demonstrate their skill sets and have fun.   

Simultaneously, the lineman will engage in a big man competition, featuring activities such as a farmers walk, bench press, and tire flip.  

The event will also serve as an opportunity to raise funds for the football camp, something that Trey cherished throughout his high school years.  

T-shirts will be available for $20, with $5 of each sale being donated. Community members can also make a $16 donation to Maricopa Rams Football, in honor of Trey’s 16th birthday on May 24.  

Liermann expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from coaches, MUSD staff and community members during the organization of the event.   

“We appreciate everyone’s kindness,” she said. “We’ve had nothing but full support.”