Before the sun fully rises over Shadow Ridge High School, junior Evan Collier is already thinking about the responsibilities that come with being a student athlete. Collier’s days are built around discipline, balance, and determination.
Collier first discovered his love for the sport at just five years old. Although he didn’t begin playing tackle football until he was 12, his passion never wavered.
“I first got interested in my sport when I was 5 and didn’t start playing tackle until I was 12. After that I just loved it,” Collier explained.
What started as a childhood interest quickly grew into something more serious, a commitment that now shapes his daily routine.
A typical day for Collier begins in the classroom. Like all athletes at Shadow Ridge, maintaining strong grades is not optional. For him, academics and athletics go hand in hand.
“I would say that my sport helps me stay on top of my school work because if I don’t do well in school I can’t play my sport,” Collier said.
That motivation pushes him to stay focused during lectures, complete assignments on time, and seek help when needed.
Balancing school, football, and a social life isn’t always easy. Practices can run long, and game preparation requires both physical and mental energy. Still, Collier credits football for teaching him valuable lessons that carry into the classroom.
“It’s taught me to always respect my elders and to have a certain type of discipline in the classroom,” said Collier.
The structure of practices, team expectations, and accountability from coaches have strengthened his time management skills and maturity.
His coaches have also noticed his hard work and appreciate what he brings to the team.
“He leads by example,” Matthew Nighswonger says. “He is someone who hustles, listens to the coaches, and gives his full effort. He is a trustworthy person who is reliable and dependable.”
Like many athletes, Collier has faced moments of doubt. Injuries, tough losses, and pressure can test anyone’s confidence.
“There have definitely been times where I had a shot taken at my confidence, but I always try to prove to myself and everyone else that I am better than what I think I am and what they think I am because you can always get better,” Collier said.
Instead of letting setbacks define him, he uses them as motivation.
When practices, assignments, and expectations begin to feel overwhelming, Collier has learned to pause and reset.
“I have to take a step back whenever I am feeling overwhelmed so that when I come back in the next couple of moments I have calmed down,” shared Collier.
That ability to refocus allows him to perform consistently both on the field and in the classroom.
For Collier, being a student athlete is more than just wearing a jersey on Friday nights. It’s about growth, responsibility, and preparing for the future. Each day represents another opportunity to improve, not just as a football player, but as a student and leader at Shadow Ridge High School.
