Carolyn Evans, a 5'11" OH from Arlington High School in west Tennessee, recently committed to continue her playing career at Bryan College. Evans, a versatile hitter, will play in the middle in her freshman year for the Lions, filling the final key spot for the defending 2009 AAC Co-Champions.
Evans was a star performer for the Arlington team. The 2009 District MVP received many accolades during her career. She was a four-year starter, and earned All-District First Team awards during all four years. Evans was also a Memphis-Area Best of Preps Award recipient in 2007, 2008, and 2009. The two-year team captain was Team MVP in 2008 and 2009, and also earned an All-Region honor in 2007.
A strong student-athlete, Evans received a Dean's Scholarship as well as her athletic scholarship at Bryan. She comes from a strong volleyball family; her oldest sister competed at John Brown University, and another sister currently competes at another NAIA college.
"Carolyn was a perfect fit with our team," said Bryan Head Coach Leo Sayles, "She has a genuine heart, is a hard worker, has a strong academic background, and loves to compete. She is a versatile hitter, who has the ability to play any front-row position. She will fill the hole we have in the middle, sharing duties with fellow freshman Callie Singleton, but could develop into a key player for us at the wing as well. I am delighted she committed to us, and I look forward to seeing her develop on the court."
When asked why she chose Bryan, Evans commented, "I chose Bryan College because when I visited I felt God talking to me and things just clicked. I prayed and kept getting the same answer.....BRYAN! The environment there is inviting and the students and professors are kind, and are always willing to come and welcome you. The scenery in beautiful; it reminds me of how great and powerful our God is! Everything about Bryan just fits, that's just it...it fits."
The Lions seek to advance one more step in 2010. The team advanced to the AAC Championship match for the second time in three seasons, but was defeated by Union College. The Lions advanced further than any team in Bryan history with a historic run to the NCCAA Final Four, finishing with a 31-17 record, their first 30-win season since 1982.
