Evelyn Gavette, a senior at EHS, has committed to the local Colorado junior college, Northeastern Community College to play volleyball. Because junior college is only two years, Gavette will play for NJC for the two years, and then transfer out to finish her last two years of eligibility.
Gavette’s recruitment journey was anything but easy, as it took her until the end of her senior year high school volleyball season to finally find the right school. “They contacted me during state volleyball,” said Gavette. “I went on a visit there and really liked it.” Gavette knew the second she stepped on campus that NJC was where she wanted to be.
A lot of factors went into the decision for Gavette, as it was important to her that her future school would provide the degree she wanted. “I’m going to study pre-med because I want to one day be a CRNA,” said Gavette. With Gavette’s lofty aspirations, it was refreshing to hear Northeastern would support her degree choice.
Northeastern recruiters were able to first watch Gavette in a Reds jersey at state this past season. Gavette was one of the three captains on the 2024 roster. Her leadership and aggressiveness on the volleyball court immediately caught head coach Mackenzie Chrisman’s attention. C team coach for the Reds, Noelle Meagher, was also a huge contributor to the fact that NJC was able to see Gavette. Meagher, an EHS graduate, was like Gavette and continued her volleyball career at NJC. Since she is still connected to the college and team, she was able to tell Chrisman about Gavette’s skills. Gavette has a lot to thank Meagher for, as she helped her find the school that will eventually be her home.
Gavette understands the work it takes to thrive in collegiate sports, so she has already started preparing. She is not the athlete to shy away from hard work, so she has continued training since the end of high school season. “I’m gonna be on a workout plan, and train a lot with my coaches and teammates to prepare for the next level,” said Gavette. “I’m going to get my mind and body in great condition.” Gavette is ready to take the next step in her volleyball career, and nothing is going to stop her. She is determined to succeed and is aiming to be a leader on the Northeastern roster like she was for the Reds.
Getting the opportunity to play collegiate sports is not something everyone gets to do. Gavette is appreciative of the opportunity she is stepping into, and is grateful for everyone who has helped her get to where she is today. Northeastern volleyball has continued to rise to the top of junior college volleyball over the past seasons. Gavette hopes to step into the program and have an immediate impact in helping them achieve a National Championship. This goal is very achievable for the Plainswomen, and Gavette understands the hurt of falling short. She was never able to experience winning a state championship with the Reds, but this will only act as motivation when she arrives in Sterling. Her intensity towards winning will help the Plainswomen take their next step in the tournament, and come home with the national championship.
The fact that it is in Colorado will make it easy for her family and friends to come watch. “At first I wanted to get away, but I’m excited about it being in Colorado because it’s far enough away that I don’t have to see my family all the time, but it’s close enough where they can come to support me,” said Gavette. She is very close with her family, so it means a lot that Gavette will always have a big support system at her games.
Gavette is one of the many EHS athletes who have taken the next step to play collegiate sports. Although she will no longer be a Red, everyone from the community will continue to support her.
