The RoundHouse | 7/21/2022 12:00:00 PM

 
Kim Evans came to Wichita State in 1992 from Texas to play basketball and decided to make the city her home and the sport her calling.
 
"I loved playing ball with all my teammates," she said. "It was amazing thing for me, college basketball."
 
Evans played a year professionally in Switzerland before returning to Wichita. She is trying to pass on the benefits of college and college athletics to younger generations as a coach. She coaches fifth-grade girls and second-grade boys teams for the Wichita Express and high school girls with the Missouri Phenom's Kansas chapter. She also coaches junior varsity girls at South High School.
 
"I love everything about the coaching," she said. "Being able to pass on my knowledge and things that I've learned from the various coaches I've come across. I'm trying to get these kids to stay active and not sitting at home on their phones or in front of the TV. Coaches have a very special place."
 
Evans credits Janice Wallace, her coach at Killeen (Texas) High, with sparking her passion for basketball.
 
"She is the first coach that woke me up about the sport of basketball," Evans said. "She's where I get most of my coaching style. Honest. Direct. Don't sugar-coat anything."
 
Evans played at Wichita State for Linda Hargrove, who helped shape her into a more complete player.
 
"I was hyped all the time," Evans said. "She taught me that sometimes I've got to slow down. You don't always have to be an aggressive player to get a result out of it."
 
When she isn't on the court, Evans often heads to area lakes to fish for bass. A friend's invitation started her on that hobby 10 years ago.
 
"I got my first bite, and it was the most amazing feeling ever," she said. "I got rid of all my catfish poles. I fell in love with bass fishing."
 
At Wichita State: Evans, who played guard from 1992-96, scored 1,488 points and ranks fifth in program history. She earned All-Missouri Valley Conference honors three times.
 
Evans averaged 15.6 points and 5.6 rebounds as a senior in 1995-96. That season, she recorded the program's first triple-double with 23 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists in a 92-78 win over Creighton.
 
Update us on your current location and life status:
 I work at T-Mobile as a Tech.  I have volunteered as a coaching for nine years and been a part of the Wichita Express (basketball) organization for eight years.

What was your major at Wichita State?
 Business management 

Why did you choose Wichita State?
 I wanted to be part of a program and make a difference there and in the community.

Besides the sport you played as a Shocker, what was your favorite sport?
 I would have to say track and watching Football. My newest love is bass fishing. 

Who was your favorite professor at Wichita State?
 Gretchen Torline (director of athletic academic services). She made early morning class not so bad. She didn't let me get away with half effort.

Which teammate helped your adjustment to college life?
Tasha Barnett and Karen Lewis, my first year. Tasha helped keep me laughing . . . daily.  Lea Johnson is my best friend to this day.

What are your favorite memories from college athletics?
Tasha Barnett blaming everything on the shoes. Going to Hawaii.
The infamous bus ride to, I believe Northern Iowa, Creighton or Drake, and thinking we were going to run out of food because we were driving in a blizzard. Some of the milestones I was fortunate to achieve in my time there (my triple double with my father there to watch).

What advice would you give to a person starting their athletics career in college?
Take in and appreciate every moment, because in the blink of an eye real life kicks in. College athletics can take you to places you have never been or may not ever think to go. Enjoy it all and take nothing for granted.

What book would you recommend to current college students?
 Pat Summit's "Sum It Up." Maya Angelo's poem "And Still I Rise."
 
Paul Suellentrop covers Wichita State Athletics and the American Athletic Conference for university Strategic Communications. "Catching up" is a regular feature highlighting former Shockers. Story suggestion? Contact him at paul.suellentrop@wichita.edu.