Character Shows: Thomas Couvillion is Laguna Blanca's Womble Award Winner

And aside from the hard work and leadership in the classroom and volleyball court, Couvillion is already touching the future in the world around him. He has gained real-world work experience in a science internship at Goleta’s Next Energy Technologies.

“They’re making transparent solar panels,” Couvillion said. “It’s almost like windows that you would put on a skyscraper. So it’s cool to see that technology being driven forward.”

In his junior year, Couvillion definitely caught the attention of first-year Laguna athletic director Matt Steinhaus.

“Thomas is simply one of the most genuine, engaged students I’ve had the privilege to know,” Steinhaus said. “Even being in my first year at Laguna, his energy has been undeniable from the start. His presence as a leader and a competitor in volleyball is unquestionable. But so are many other intangibles make him uniquely complete. And beyond that, he’s just a great kid.”

Laguna Blanca’s boys volleyball coach Jason Donnelly also participated in the virtual presentation.

“You really epitomize what the award is,” Donnelly told Couvillion. “I’ve really known you since before you got here to middle school, but I’ve been your coach since you were in seventh grade. One of the things that’s remained consistent that entire time is that you’re just a really, really good kid. I think you believe in who you are. I think you understand that it’s cool to be kind. And in this day and age, that’s really refreshing.”

In addition, Donnelly said, “you’re a competitor. You’re a talented athlete. But first and foremost your character is at the highest level. So it gives me great pleasure to be here to see you receive this really prestigious award. … You’re a good human being, Thomas, and I’m really proud to be your coach.”

For his part, Couvillion gave shout-outs to his parents, Lisa and Steve (who introduced him to the game he fell in love with), coach Donnelly and teammates, such as Jack Schiebler '22.

“I remember freshman year, when Covid hit and everything shut down, Jack and I would wake up at 5:30 before anything started and he would pick me up from my house because I couldn’t drive yet and we’d go and play volleyball all day with Kincade Avery '23 and a few others because we loved it. We proceeded to play all summer and tournaments together.”