February 13, 2024

The basketball sinks through the hoop with a “whoosh.” The game-ending buzzer goes off. Sweaty, exhausted and triumphant, freshman Evelyn McKnight stands on the basketball court relishing a sweet victory. 

For McKnight, this victory had even more meaning, though she did not know it at the time. It was part of a winning season that would earn her attention from Youngstown State University, a Division 1 school, her sophomore year. 

“I’ve been working hard all my life,” McKnight said. “My main goal has always been to go D1. It’s pretty great to have that opportunity.” 

Her family had a significant influence on her athletic career, assisting McKnight since she began playing in first grade.

“My dad is super supportive,” McKnight said. 

To develop the necessary skills for her position as point guard, McKnight has to train nearly constantly while battling discomfort and injuries, including a recent shin problem. 

“You train all the time,” McKnight said. “It’s not natural. You have to go to the gym every day. Except for things like school, I’m basically always [training]. I do hang out with my family and friends, [though].” 

This training paid off with a successful 2022-2023 season that was a standout year for McKnight. 

“We had a good team and only lost one game,” McKnight said. “Plus, we went really far. I loved the team [and I loved] beating Solon. We were supposed to go farther, but yeah. It is my triumph.”

While this season ended in a loss at districts (according to McKnight, this was the worst moment in her basketball career), the silver lining was the subsequent offer from Youngstown State University. It is unusual for sophomores to receive a D1 offer in any sport, and the high honor reflects McKnight’s years-long effort. It also added to the weight of expectations that she feels when she plays.

“I feel like there’s more pressure,” McKnight said. “If I am going to a game, everyone knows I am D1.”

As for the future, McKnight is going to continue to weigh her options. Other schools have expressed interest and more will join them as her career continues. For now, she is focused on one play and one game at a time, as well as training to be the best athlete she can be. 

“I’ll [definitely] play through college,” McKnight said.