Mr. Nicholls finalist Eli Servat reflects on how his journey, shaped by passion, perseverance and family influence, has defined who he is and led to his nomination for Mr. Nicholls. 

Hailing from Schriever, Louisiana, Servat is deeply rooted in his community and has a love for sports. A former soccer player at E.D. White Catholic High School, Servat returned as a coach to help develop the next generation of athletes. 

This year, he had the opportunity to head the JV team and assist with the varsity squad. For Servat, coaching is about instilling the values that helped him grow. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, teaching his athletes to overcome obstacles both on and off the field. 

Growing up as an athlete, Servat experienced multiple injuries, eventually leading him to pursue a career in physical therapy. “I love the environment of being in a clinic. I’ve experienced firsthand how important physical therapy is, and it inspired me to make it my career path,” Servat said.

Beyond athletics, his family has also helped shape who he is, especially his mother, whose unwavering support and belief drove him to push for more. “My mom played a huge role in my life. Her belief in me gave me the confidence to achieve my goals,” he said. 

As a Mr. Nicholls finalist and soon-to-be-graduated senior, Servat hopes to leave a lasting legacy at Nicholls. “I want to be remembered as someone who inspired others to never give up on their journey to become the best version of themselves,” he said.