CRISP COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) — Laura Evans will graduate from Crisp Academy with 14 varsity letters, numerous honors and dual enrollment classes and a 4.15 GPA.

The senior has balanced athletics across multiple sports while maintaining academic excellence throughout her high school career.

“I think I just had to remind myself that school comes first, and I had to keep my grades up to be able to play, so I just go home and study and study a lot,” Evans said. “You have to be able to listen very well to be able to focus, so I just try to carry that over at home to learn a lot there.”

Evans will play softball at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) after graduation. During her five years with Crisp Academy’s varsity softball team, she earned five all-region honors and four all-state selections.

“I chose ABAC because, obviously it’s an honor to play at the next level, but I also wanted to stay close to home,” Evans said. “I chose ABAC because, like, I just felt like home there.”

Evans is currently focused on basketball season, helping the Lady Wildcats pursue region and state championships. She is approaching her 1,000th career point.

Coach Hathcock said Evans has developed significantly since her freshman year.

“She started off her freshman year; she scored like 50 points. Now, I think she’s averaging like 15 a game. She has come a long way,” Hathcock said. “And she’s a true point guard, so she’s definitely going to be hard to replace.”

Evans credits her relationship with Jesus for her athletic and academic achievements.

“I feel like he’s changed the way I look at sports in general. Your identity isn’t found in a sport, it’s found in the Lord. He defines me, not basketball,” Evans said. “I think that’s why I’ve been so successful in everything, because Jesus is the only reason, you know? When I realized that Jesus is the reason I can achieve all these things, it took the pressure off me to be the hero.”

Evans plans to major in biology at ABAC with hopes of becoming a physical therapist.

“I’m very blessed. God’s given me the ability to do that, so all glory to Him,” Evans said.

Congratulations to Laura Evans for being recognized as this week’s Valdosta State Scholar Athlete!

If you know an outstanding student-athlete, click here to nominate them.

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