Evan

What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?

What I love most about football is the competition, teamwork, and challenge of pushing myself to be better. I love working with my teammates toward a common goal and knowing that everyone is counting on each other. Football has taught me discipline, commitment, and perseverance. Most of all, I love the feeling of giving everything I have on the field and representing my school and team with pride.

Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?

My mom is one of the biggest reasons I play football. She is who inspires me on and off the field. She has always supported me and pushed me to keep going, even when things get hard. When I’m tired or having a bad day, I think about how hard she works and how much she believes in me. I want to keep getting better and give everything I have on the field because I want to make her proud. Football means a lot to me, but having my mom there supporting me makes it even more special.

What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?

One season, Evan was injured and unable to play, but that didn’t stop him from being involved with his team. He continued encouraging and supporting his teammates from the sidelines. One day, I started receiving texts and screenshots of a social media post from another player’s parent. They had posted a picture of Evan and their son, praising Evan for the way he encouraged and supported his teammate. It meant so much to see that, even when he couldn’t be on the field.