Franklin & Marshall College

Opposing coaches always had a keen eye on the defensive line when their teams lined up to play Franklin & Marshall in football. Although he drew the well-warranted attention, the opposing offense could never seem to fully shut down Matt DesChamps '93 as he caused chaos in the opponent's backfield throughout his career. By the time he was done giving opposing offensive coordinators headaches after four years, DesChamps had re-written the F&M record book with new career records in both sacks (25.5) and forced fumbles (10).

Those contributions helped the Diplomats earn second place finishes in the Centennial Conference during the 1989 and 1991 seasons, both of which ended in ECAC Bowl appearances. Leading a stingy F&M defense during the second of those bowl appearances as a junior in 1991, DesChamps had a personal breakout season when he racked up 13 of his career sacks while forcing five more fumbles. That standout junior campaign alone accounted for half of his career record totals in those categories. Following that season, DesChamps was honored by his coaches and teammates when he was elected a team captain for his senior season. By the time he had finished racking up his defensive totals to previously unmatched heights, DesChamps had compiled a sack record that stood for nearly 20 seasons before it was broken during the 2012 season. His 10 forced fumbles throughout his career remained unmatched to this day.

Reflecting back on his time with the Diplomats, DesChamps feels fortunate to have made many great memories. "Among my most memorable moments was being part of the 500th win in F&M history. It was a great win and milestone for the program as we became the fourth team in Division III history to win 500 games," commented DesChamps. "Our team was a small part of a long history dating back to 1887 and it was a special game for the team, coaches and alumni. We had a plaque made to give to Coach Gilburg after the game that read "We honor thy traditions and those who have gone before" from our alma mater. That's exactly what that win represented. It was a culmination of efforts across many years and teams and speaks to the great tradition of F&M football." 

With that moment being such a poignant experience of his Franklin & Marshall career, DesChamps continues to embrace the Diplomats' football message of "not four years, but a lifetime." Inspired by the alumni who had come before him, he is now getting to pay that forward to current and future generations of Diplomats. Since his graduation, DesChamps has become a very influential alumnus as his impact is felt within the football team and the entire College community. Of recent note, DesChamps was a key part of F&M's campaign to raise money for the building of the state-of-the-art Shadek Stadium that first opened for play in the fall of 2017.

Given the chance to reflect on his career and being inducted into the hall of fame, DesChamps' thoughts immediately go back to those who first inspired him. "It's an honor because I have so much respect for the many talented student-athletes who have attended F&M and participated in varsity sports. Several of my teammates and coaches were inducted into the hall of fame over the years and I admire every one of them, not just for their athletic accomplishments but for who they are off the field as well. I'm proud to be part of such a special group of people."
Following his graduation from Franklin & Marshall, DesChamps began his professional career at Coopers & Lybrand in New York City. After several years, he joined Morgan Stanley and completed his MBA in finance and became a certified public accountant. DesChamps later founded two asset management firms and currently works as one of the founding partners and President of Kepos Capital LP. With a career in the finance and investment industry, DesChamps still credits the strong liberal arts education that Franklin & Marshall provides for much of his professional success.

As he so eloquently sums up his student-athlete experience, "There is no substitute for a liberal arts education to prepare you for life and any field of endeavor and F&M does it better than anyone."