Knightly News

“My biggest piece of advice is to work as hard as possible and never let someone tell you you can’t do something.” Thomas D’Armond, Class of 2022

When others suggested that Episcopal slot receiver Thomas D’Armond couldn’t play Division 1 football, he was initially discouraged. However, that didn’t last long. “I was able to learn how to block out the noise and convert those negative thoughts into motivation,” he says. His determination and faith in the dream paid off, and this week Thomas signed on to play for the Samford University Bulldogs.

“This is an incredible opportunity that I have received,” says Thomas. “It truly means the world to me and my family. Not many people get a chance to play at the next level, especially at a school like Samford so this opportunity means a lot to me.” Athletic Director Randy Richard says Thomas has shown leadership through intention his entire career at Episcopal. “He is one of those kids that sets the example of what it means to be a student athlete and is constantly raising that bar for himself and his teammates,” says Richard. “While he comes from an Episcopal legacy family, Thomas has definitely left his own legacy and will be remembered around here for some time.”  

Knights Head Coach Travis Bourgeois says it was a blessing to coach Thomas and watch him grow over the years. “From team captain to 1st team all-district in two positions, honorable mention all-state, Team MVP, Offensive MVP; he was a very versatile player,” says Coach Bourgeois. “He reached his goal with the opportunity to play college football.  He has all the tools needed to be successful on and off the field. He is hard-working, self-motivated, disciplined, coachable, and assertive.  He is a great representative of our football team and a great role model for all of our students. Samford University is lucky to have him.”

Thomas says he chose Samford for several reasons. “One reason I chose Samford is because of the community that revolves around the campus and around Birmingham,” he says. “It truly felt like home. A second reason I chose Samford is because of the coaching staff. Ever since the coaches started recruiting me they kept constant communication and always checked on me about anything. I was able to build a strong relationship with them very early on in the recruiting process. The last reason I chose Samford is because of the high level of education I will receive.” Thomas plans to pursue a business degree with the hopes of becoming a mortgage lender.

Thomas, who has played football since the third grade, is proof that hard work can make dreams come true. We wish him all the best at Samford.

We invite you to wish him well in the comments section below.

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2024-2025 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.