March 13, 2024 by Makenna Dicaprio(‘26)
Saratoga Springs High School senior Rodell Evans tackles both academics and athletics as he prepares to transition to the competitive D1 lifestyle. With a strong passion for the game and commitment to excellence, he is ready to take on the challenges he might endure at the next level.
“My everyday motivation would probably be that I want to be better than the day before,” said Evans. One of the hardest parts about being a student athlete is balancing good grades and a hard work ethic on the field. Throughout his high school years, Rodell balanced being a double sport athlete and maintaining outstanding grades.
“It can definitely be difficult to balance both, especially when you want to be great at both. It takes a lot of time away from doing other stuff. It’s easy to get lost in it, but just keeping track of things that need to get done and taking it step by step is key,” said Evans. It is apparent that he stands out amongst the other student athletes.
Evans said, “My grades being high opened a lot of opportunities for me. Of course, grades alone will not lead a player to a D1 spot. My length was also something coaches mentioned to me, saying that I was one of the longer corners they had seen, and a lot of coaches mentioned intangibles like my work ethic or how I responded to coaching when they explained why they liked me as a player.”
Eric Hayden, head varsity football coach at Saratoga Spring High School, knows that Evans works hard even when people aren’t watching. “He’s a very hard worker. He’s not a young man you have to worry about doing all the lifts. You know he is going to do extra because he wants to be great,” Hayden said.
This hard work is also apparent in the classroom. “Some accomplishments that stand out to me in Rodell’s educational career is the fact that he’s always been a high honor roll student. At his old school, he even set the record for scoring the highest on a writing test.” Mrs. Evans, Rodell’s mom, said.
Rodell Evans is the “complete package” because he is a hardworking scholar athlete who knows how to work with others. “My favorite part of being an athlete is definitely the relationships I make with people,” said Evans. Evans’ teammates admire him as the talented athlete he is. They describe him as “A leader, hard worker and great teammate,” said Hayden.
On the field, at practice, and in the weight room teammates see Evans as a hard worker who is always doing his best even when the coaches aren’t watching. As the coaches would say he is not just a “check mark,” meaning he shows up to get better each and every day.
The leadership skills can even be seen from the stands. “His leadership skills are far above his age. He often leads by example; however, he also doesn’t hesitate to give his teammates advice in the moment,” said Mrs. Evans. “There have been countless times where I’ve witnessed the team come off the field and Rodell will pull them aside and either offer encouragement or a perspective his teammates may not have seen.”
Halfway through his high school career, Evans stepped down from the Quarterback position to allow a younger QB to take on the responsibility and to specialize in other positions such as cornerback and receiver. “For the most part it wasn’t a bad transition because I have been playing both for the last couple years anyway,” Evans said. The only criticism he had of the change was the lack of built-up stamina he currently had.
“Playing a skill position on both sides of the ball and special teams, I felt myself get tired earlier in the beginning of the season, but I managed to get my stamina up through the year,” said Evans. Anyone who has seen him perform can tell how much heart he has for the game no matter what position he plays.
One thing Rodell is very passionate about is the perspective he has on life. “Comparison is the thief of joy,” Evans said. “We only live one time and the only thing we can control is ourselves.”
Everyone knows a few people bent on doubting, but the only thing you can do is embrace them. Evans is very successful in life because he worries about himself. Although he is an outstanding leader, he makes sure to mainly focus on his own life’s goals.
“One of my favorite things about Rodell and the way he chooses to live life is that he’s not easily swayed by outside sources,” said Mrs. Evans. “Rodell makes his own decisions and doesn’t go with the crowd.”
One thing that stands true about Evans is no matter what, he is himself. This is a key to getting anywhere in life because everyone is different and has a unique purpose. Evans is enthusiastic on the field but likes to be more chill in the classroom setting. “I would say I kind of have a 2-sided personality. Throughout my regular day, like school, I’m pretty laid back and quiet, but when I’m involved in sports, I become really energetic and animated,” said Evans.
“Rodell’s personality is very smart and ambitious. Rodell is able to set goals for himself and puts forth the effort to reach them,” said Mrs. Evans. Anyone who has played a sport would say there are many aspects of life you learn throughout playing the game. One main skill is trying your best in everything you do, because who knows where it can lead? Evans has excelled at this important skill and many others through his career so far.
“There are a lot of lessons I have learned from sports. Work ethic, teamwork, how to properly communicate, and problem solving are all things sports have taught me. It has also taught me how to be grateful for my opportunities because not everyone has the chance to play sports and advance to a higher level in sports. I’m appreciative that I have the ability to do so,” said Evans.
According to the NCAA, Around 1,006,013 athletes participate in high school football and only 2.9% can compete at the D1 level. Rodell is part of this 2.9% who has the skills and work ethic to continue his career at a higher level.
A recent moment that really stood out to Evans was the moment of realization that his childhood dream would soon become a reality. “The moment I got my first D1 offer was definitely a huge experience for me. I still remember the phone call and I remember crying on the phone right outside of The Local because my childhood dream has come true,” said Evans.
Getting to the next level in a sport is every athlete’s dream and it takes a big support system every step of the way to succeed. Evans’ family has been there for him since day one and will continue to be his biggest fans. Being close with family, Rodell knows his family is always there to support him no matter what. “I also have felt my mom, dad and sister are my biggest supporters in everything I do,” said Evans.
Hardships are just minor step backs everyone faces on the road to success. This is no different for the talented High School senior. Although Evans and his family faced hardships such as moving away from family and friends, he has been able to overcome these challenges to become a better person because of the experiences. “I moved from Virginia to New York around the 4th grade. I had a difficult time adjusting early on. It was really hard to leave my family and friends. I cried a lot about it in elementary school. However, I couldn’t be the person I am today [without that],” said Evans.
“I believe Rodell is able to overcome obstacles and continue to persevere in the face of challenges because he is wise beyond his years and is able to see the bigger picture,” Said Mrs. Evans. “He can look ahead and not become negative because of what’s happening in the now.”
No one is quite sure what the future holds for Rodell Evans following his high school and college career. The only topic that is apparent is a high level of success in whatever is to come next. He has the brain, maturity, and athleticism to do what he wants. “I’m very excited to see what he decides,” said coach Hayden.
Mrs. Evans said, “I see Rodell helping people reach their health and fitness goal in the future. I think he’ll be a great motivator to help others establish, reach, and maintain goals.” The future holds big things for the talented athlete. And no matter what he decides to do he will get far.
Many young football players in the Saratoga Springs football program look up to Evans and his dedication to being great. Coaches in the program love Evans’ will to work and devotion to becoming the best possible version of himself.
Coach Hayden has only positive things to say about Evan. He believes he is a superstar who stands out amongst his competitors. “If you were to build your team tomorrow and pick one person to build a program around, it would be Rodell. He has been a leader to his teammates and all the younger athletes in the football program. He is superman to most of our youth kids. His commitment and work ethic are the building blocks to the growth of our program since he’s been here,” said Hayden.