Norman North's Jacie Evans – Driven Athlete of the Month sponsored by Landers Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Norman

Written by Justin Hite

Jacie Evans’ parents raised her to give 110% of her ability in everything she does. The oldest daughter of an All-Conference football player and younger sister of a current NFL player, Evans didn’t have much of a choice than to absorb those traits of hard work and dedication.

For her, every season a new season – and a new chance to work on improving her weaknesses. What Norman North coach Rory Hamilton sees from his junior guard is a player who puts in the work on Mondays, Wednesday, and Thursdays.

For Evans, it’s about making a name for herself.

“I want to do things for myself and also make a name for myself,” Evans said. “… Even if he wasn’t my brother, everyone still has to make a name for themselves. I think that’s what drives me.

In 19 years, Hamilton has rarely found players who are at practice even before practice and take the time to shoot on their own. As a junior, Evans averaged 10.9 points, five rebounds and three steals per game.

“Jacie is one of those kids that put in the time, not only during practice with how well she works with other kids and how she works, but she does it after and before,” Hamilton said. “… That really stands out. She’s just driven. She has a tremendous desire to be successful and wants to do good things. When your best player is your hardest worker, it really sets the tone for the rest of the kids and really the program in general.”

Hamilton called Evans “the consummate gym rat.” She’s an athletic player who sets the tone in practice with her supreme dislike for losing. In transition, the 5-foot-7 guard is a threat to score in the open floor and shot 70% from the free-throw line last season.

She’s also very actively involved with her youth groups at Westside Church of Christ and enjoys spending time with her friends and family. Watching her older brother Jordan, who plays for the Cincinnati Bengals and was a sixth-round pick out of Oklahoma, is also a highlight for her.

She’s learned a lot from him and her parents as well about the importance of hard work.

“They’ve pushed me to do that, and it made me strive to always work hard,” Evans said.