Meet Breylan Thompson | Student Athlete

We had the good fortune of connecting with Breylan Thompson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Breylan, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I’d say the most important factor behind my success was my ability to lean into discomfort in order to grow. Being able to adapt and navigate different spaces has allowed me to not only become a successful student athlete but also a successful leader. As a freshman, new to the private school scene, I knew nobody. Today as a senior, I serve as the Student Body President, representing the entirety of the campus. And all that was possible because I leaned into discomfort to allow myself to reach my potential. This is something I will continue to do as I embark a new journey at Yale University in the Fall.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart from others is I’m a student athlete who had the opportunity to attend all 8 Ivy League schools, and chose to play football at Yale. I chose Yale over 24 other division one programs. I got to where I am today by hard work and just trusting the process. I’ve always valued my education maintaining just below a 4.0 grade average for the entirety of my high school career. One lesson I learned along the way is that in order to make your dreams come true you must be able to handle adversity. I grew up in public school, so transitioning to private school wasn’t easy. But it was one of the best things to ever happen to me. At Episcopal I was able to grow and develop as a leader, becoming captain of the football and basketball team, while also serving as the Student Body President. As I stated earlier I was also able to give myself the opportunity to play the sport I love at the next level while getting a world class education. One thing I want the world to know about me is, while I do love the game of football with all of my heart, I am way more than just an athlete.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Food: Pappas Burgers, Leighton’s Third Ward House of Ramen Noodles, Dave’s Hot Chicken I would probably visit River Oaks District to just walk around or shop or something
I like to golf and play tennis recreationally in my free time. For the most part my favorite place in the city is wherever me and the guys are together.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to shoutout my parents. My mother for always pushing me to be better, and to never be satisfied. And my father for instilling that hard work ethic and competitive nature in me at a young age.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breylanthompson?igsh=MW1yZWp5YXluN2kwbQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr