CHAPEL HILL – East Bladen senior Katie Evans was honored for her outstanding sportsmanship by being named a winner of the “Heart of a Champion” Award.
Each North Carolina High School Athletic Association member school had the opportunity to nominate one male and one female student-athlete for the award. The student must have participated in at least one varsity sport or activity during the 2020-2021 school year, have not been ejected from any contest, and must have demonstrated outstanding citizenship and sportsmanship during their high school careers.
Evans was one of 35 award winners who will be honored through the NCHSAA’s social media and online platforms in addition to receiving the awards. NC Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. sponsors these awards. Mark Dreibelbis, NCHSAA Associate Commissioner, and Director of Student Programs and Sports, Chiquana Dancy, administer the program.
“I’m real happy for Katie being recognized as a Heart of a Champion,” said East Bladen Athletic Director Patty Evers. “She has truly been one of those student athletes that has exceeded all expectations.”
Evans, the Lady Eagle setter and leading server, was named All-Three Rivers Conference volleyball and received the team’s Defensive Player of the Year award for girls’ basketball.
In girls’ soccer Evans earned All-Conference honors by leading the TRC champion Eagles to a 14-1 record and the regional semi-finals. She was the team-leader in assists and steals.
“Katie gives her best every time she steps on the field or court,” continued Evers. “She is an excellent teammate and has been a tremendous leader.”
Katie is the daughter of Paul and Julie Evans.
NCHSAA Commissioner Que Tucker said, “We are honored to join with Farm Bureau in recognizing this group of 35 student-athletes who have consistently demonstrated the values and traits that we want all student-athletes to learn through participation in our programs. Now, more than any other time, our society needs young people, such as this group of award winners, who exhibit what it means to have the ‘heart of a champion’ and who are dedicated to excellence in sportsmanship and citizenship.”
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