Hannah Evans, junior kinesiology major, fights off Katelyn Fairchild of California State University, Northridge, in the first Lancer Mini Invite of the season Jan. 31. Evans played in all 32 games as a soph- omore at California Baptist University and was also second on the team with 63 goals in 2014. Photo Courtesy of CBU Athletics
Being in and around pools for the duration of a lifetime is a common trait among athletes who pursue aquatic sports.
Hannah Evans, junior kine- siology major and 2-meter player on the women’s water polo team at California Baptist University, has been attached to the water since the age of 8. Evans’ drive to swim was highly influenced by her mother, Michelle Evans, who also swam.
“It was during freshman year of high school when I decided to try water polo,” Evans said. “Since then, I was playing high school water polo and for a club.”
Evans is an Association of American Water Polo Coaches Association second team All-American athlete who was second on the team for most goals last season, with 63 total individual goals.
Evans is on track to meet her record by leading the team in goals with 31 so far this season.
“Hannah is such a loving person and friend,” said Emily Cardona, sophomore kinesiology major and driver. “She always makes you feel happy and is the first person to give you a hug when you’re down. Hannah is a strong leader in the pool. Every day is a memorable moment; she’ll make you cry of laughter.” Dedication and hard work are key characteristics found in a college athlete—and as a sophomore last year—Evans played all 32 games. This goal would not have been possible had it not been for her desire to keep working.
“It is definitely a big time commitment, but it’s so worth it to be able to play the sport you love and work toward a degree,” Evans said.
Not only does she rely on her own push toward success, but Evans also said she realizes she has to be able to trust her team so they can work together. She said communication is vital in water polo.
“It’s very important for us to have a bond inside the water as well as outside,” Evans said. “A lot of the game is communication and people have a different ways of communicating. I think it’s important that each of us can see the difference in each other.”
Evans is a very fond believer of the saying “everything happens for a reason.” There is a reason why she is at CBU, there is a reason why she is playing water polo. This ties into her favorite scripture Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Although she has not mapped out a career path just yet, Evans said she plans to stay in the field of physical activity and become an athletic trainer.
Outside of the water Evans enjoys surfing at the beach with her brother which gives her an opportunity to bond with him. Next year in her final season of college water polo she said she plans to better her communication skills.
