A jack-of-all-trades, senior Maddy Evans looks back at her career at Penn State and has many memories of different importance.
Evans was an impact player from the day she arrived in State College. As a freshman, she played in 20 games and started 14 for the Lions. Through her sophomore and junior seasons she continued to make an impact, playing in 41 games and starting more than half of them.
In 2012, Evans had her best season with the team, starting in all 27 games including the national championship game in San Diego.
“To play my final, last possible game as a Nittany Lion in the College Cup Final is an absolute dream come true and a huge testament to the work and dedication my teammates, coaches, and support staff invested in the process,” said Evans.
What might be more impressive than her career on the field is her career as a student off of the field.
Evans, a two time Academic All-Big Ten member is the 2012-2013 Student Athlete Advisory Board President.
Every student-athlete is considered a member of SAAB, which serves as the liaison between student-athletes and the Morgan Center for Academic support.
Ultimately, the group’s main focus is the well being of Penn State student athletes, which includes committees concerning diversity, student-athlete welfare, academic support, outreach and special events.
“We spearhead a number of various community service events such as working with the Special Olympics, coordinating food drives, holiday parties for underprivileged children, and promoting events such as THON, The Kevin Dare Memorial Fund, Lift for Life and Coaches vs. Cancer,” Evans said.
Although Evans is not on a THON committee, she has been involved with the charitable efforts for the past four years. She was given the opportunity to dance in her junior year and has stuffed THONvelopes and helped organize the women’s soccer team’s involvement in Student-Athlete Hour and the pep rally; two of the biggest events during THON weekend.
“THON has opened my eyes to the devastating realities of pediatric cancer,” Evans said. “But, more importantly, it has further cemented my belief in the power of courage, love, and hope. To me, THON embodies many of the things the Penn State Women's Soccer and Penn State family value.”
Evans looks to continue her soccer career upon graduation in the spring, but has not yet made a decision where she will play
