Knightly News

“I have played basketball since I was three years old. I’ve always had a love for the sport.” Izzy Besselman – Louisiana State University

The road to LSU women’s basketball started a long time ago for senior Izzy Besselman. This week, she announced plans to join the Tigers next fall. The decision was an easy one. “The opportunity to stay home and play for a hall of fame coach like coach Mulkey was too good to pass up,” says Izzy. “The ability to pursue my athletic dreams in my home state and for a university that I grew up loving. I am so honored to play this sport and for a program with such a rich women's basketball history.”

Knights Head Coach Taylor Wharton is excited to see Izzy take this next step. “Izzy has been a tremendous player and person in our program for four years,” she says. “She has been consistent, loyal, and an incredible teammate. We look forward to supporting Izzy and we wish her the best of luck at LSU.”

Izzy, who plans to study biology with the goal of pursuing a career in the medical field, has this advice for classmates. “Stay the course, there will be set backs but everything will work out the way it’s supposed to. Work hard and enjoy the journey.”

“My faith is something that I value tremendously, and I was able to see while visiting there that this is a core value for the school as a whole too.” Mallory Botos – University of Mobile

When track and field competitor Mallory Botos toured the University of Mobile, she fell in love with the people and the school’s atmosphere. The school’s slogan “For a Higher Purpose” resonated with her in a meaningful way and to compete for the rams was a bonus. “The opportunity to throw for this track team means the world to me,” she says. “Track and Field is something that I have enjoyed so much throughout my years of high school, and I am so excited that I am going to be able to continue that for the next four years of my life.” Track Coach Bill Jones is happy to see Mallory and teammate Daila Young continue competing. “Both young ladies are good athletes and even better people,” he says. “They are very hard workers that have led the way for the younger members of our team by the example that they set.”

Mallory, who has participated in track since sophomore year, plans to study nursing. She advises classmates with similar athletic aspirations to go for it. “I wasn’t originally planning on throwing in college, but I am so happy that I ultimately decided to do it because it is something that I love to do,” she says. “While it might seem scary now, ultimately it will be worth it and will help you grow as a person and an athlete.”

“I have been dreaming about playing college football since I first put on pads in 4th grade and it’s going to be a reality in August.” David Cresson – Birmingham Southern University

When senior David Cresson signed to play for Birmingham Southern, it was a dream come true. David has played football for eight years now, and joining the Panthers is an exciting next step in his journey. “Birmingham Southern has a great football program, and it was just the best fit for me,” says David, who earned 1st Team All District, Metro and State honors. He also led the Knights in tackles in his junior and senior seasons. Knights Head Coach Travis Bourgeois points out that David was a three sport starter his senior season and that David helped lead all three teams to district titles. “He gives his all to every sport equally,” says Coach Bourgeois. “He is the perfect example of an Episcopal student-athlete by maintaining his grades and playing multi-sports.”

Once he arrives at BSC, David hopes to pursue a degree in Film and Media Studies. He has the following advice for his classmates. “My advice would be don’t take a single play for granted. Truly go 100% every snap and you will make things happen. You will realize football is 90% mental and that you can make a huge difference if you just play harder than anyone else.”

“Everyday we wake up with the ability to decide what we are going to do and what we can accomplish can surpass even our own expectations.” Jack Savario – Hendrix College

Jack Savario played a variety of sports over the years, but one sport eventually became more important than the others. “I began to focus on basketball upon entering high school when I began to realize that basketball was where I was most passionate,” says Jack. Now, Jack plans to play for Hendrix College next fall. “I chose Hendrix because when I visited I felt at home,” he says. “I loved the coaching staff and facilities and I felt like it was a place where I could chase my dreams both on the court and off the court.” Those dreams include a potential degree in pre-med and sports management in the hopes of becoming a physical therapist or orthopedic surgeon.

“It was very important that I attended an HBCU.” Daila Young – Dillard University

Daila Young knew what she wanted in a college, and she found that in Dillard University, where she felt at home when visiting. After competing in track and field for 11 years, she is happy to continue doing what she loves. “It means a lot to me that I will be able to compete on a collegiate level because it is something that I have been dreaming of since I was younger,” she says. At Dillard, Daila plans to study public health and health care management systems.

Track and Field Coach Bill Jones highlighted Daila’s success with the team, including earning the District Track MVP and Regional Track MVP honors. He is proud of Daila and teammate Mallory Botos for taking this next step. “Both young ladies will be great additions to the track programs at their respective universities and we wish them both well,” he says.

Daila has this advice for classmates with a similar goal. “Find balance, be patient with yourself, stay focused, and always remember that everyone’s path and story is different,” she says. “Take everything as a lesson to make you better and never give up.”

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.