Class of 2024: Griffin Armstrong finds his Hokie home through football
Name: Griffin Armstrong
College: College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Major: Human nutrition, foods, and exercise
Hometown: It’s complicated. Armstrong was born in Fairbanks, Alaska, but as the son of an Army officer, he has lived all over the world – in Hawaii, Spain, and Korea. His family now lives in Blacksburg.
The pathway to being a Hokie
Armstrong came to Virginia Tech in January 2023, after transferring from Louisiana Tech during his junior year to be a long snapper for the Hokies. His dad is the former executive officer of the Virginia Tech Army ROTC, and his uncle attended from 1995-2000, also playing football.
Growing up as the son of a 34-year Army veteran, Armstrong has called many cities and countries home.
“I’m technically from Fairbanks, Alaska,” he said. “I haven't been there in a long time, but I do consider it home, because it is where I was born.”
Armstrong also lived in Hawaii, Spain, and Korea before heading to college at Louisiana Tech, where he was the starting long snapper for the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.
When Armstrong entered the transfer window for football, he joined his family in Blacksburg as a Hokie.
Why did you decide to come to Virginia Tech?
I believe this is one of the most beautiful campuses in the entire country. There's no other like it. It’s also close to family, which is very nice for me. Virginia Tech has given me a lot of opportunities that other schools wouldn't have, simply because of how great the education is here and how highly ranked it is. It also has an amazing alumni base. And everybody in the town of Blacksburg, whether they're a student or not, is just super friendly.
Why did you choose to enroll in the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise (HFNE)?
I chose HNFE because I was studying kinesiology at my previous school before I transferred, and I loved it. I've always wanted to study exercise physiology, strength conditioning, and the anatomy of the body and how it adapts to exercise. So I knew HNFE would be my best route to further my education.
What is your favorite part of being a Hokie?
I love how every professor tries their best to make their coursework apply as closely as possible to what you want to do with your life. Whether it's to become a nutritionist, a personal trainer, a strength coach, a physical therapist, or an occupational therapist – the professors are focused on helping you in your education and in your future after Virginia Tech.
What is one Hokie memory that stands out to you?
Beating the University of Virginia! With a rivalry like ours, it was so great to beat them.
What are your plans after graduation?
Once I graduate, I hope to go into the Online Master of Agriculture and Life Sciences program here at Virginia Tech with a focus in applied nutrition and strength and conditioning. I’m also going to be a graduate intern in strength and conditioning for Virginia Tech Athletics. After completing grad school and doing my internship, I hope to continue working in strength and conditioning. I want to be a professional strength coach or a professional trainer for elite athletes.