America's Daughter

Jacob hadn't even pulled the last suitcase from the trunk when he spotted the present sitting on his front porch. While he struggled with two of the bags, Emma fumbled with her keys at the door. With one final grunt, she was gone. Jake had to laugh. His wife couldn't have cared less about any surprise that awaited them. She was tired, hungry and absolutely thrilled to be home. He, on the other hand, had just enough energy for one more smile.

A small white envelope protruded from the neatly wrapped gift. Jake plucked it free, took a seat and read the inscription. It was from Mrs. Freestone, a nosy neighbor whom the Evans' family was never particularly partial to. Surprisingly enough, it read: "Congratulations! We're all so proud!" With one eyebrow raised, he tore the paisley paper away to find a fancy oak picture frame. Beyond the glass, a newspaper article sat between red, white and blue borders. Evidently, it appeared in the paper during their southern vacation and Mrs. Freestone thought it nice enough to frame. With the smile that remained, he read:

The Evans' Family: Fall River's True Olympians

On the anxious morning of May 15, 1996, Andrea Evans, a gifted volleyball player from Fall River, received her sealed envelope. Walking off into the distance, she could hear the cries of friends who hadn't made the cut, along with the screams of the chosen few. Carefully unsealing her fate, her tears of joy betrayed the truth. She had made it. At last a lifelong dream had become a reality. She had been chosen to represent America in the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. Immediately, she notified the rest of the team. She called her family.

Since Junior High School, Andrea has spent every waking moment finetuning her athletic skills, displaying the determination of a champion and striving toward one goal: She has dreamed of competing on a warm afternoon in Atlanta. However, that dream is not solely her own. It is shared by the pride of the entire Evans family. No doubt, the road to Atlanta has been paved with difficulty, but she has never had to travel an inch of it alone.

Sitting on the edge of his seat, Jacob Evans, Andrea's Dad, chokes back the lump in his dry throat. "It's taken her years of hard work and dedication, but we never pushed her. With encouragement, she made it happen." Smiling, he reminisces, "I can remember all the developmental camps, the financial struggles through college and the miles we've traveled to watch her play. There's been a lot of sacrifice. We've spent a lot of time apart." Wiping a tear from his proud eyes, he continues, "Andrea possesses more perseverance than anyone I've ever known. She's a great kid, a loving person, who contemplated giving it up after the U.S. National Team didn't qualify to compete in Barcelona, but she stuck with it. She knows commitment!"

Emma Evans, Andrea's Mom, is a gentle woman who has been recently riding on a wave of adrenaline. As if it were truly just a dream, she shakes her head, saying, "I remember the first day Andrea told me, 'Mom, I want to play volleyball.' She was in the sixth grade and Mrs. Parsons became her first coach. From then on, she's trained hard and gotten to Atlanta on her own merit." Pausing in thought, she adds, "There have been some rough times, but we've gotten through them together! One of Andrea's bothers, Michael, has been her voice of encouragement…the best. Our other son, Max, has also been there all the way!"

Currently, under the direction of Rachel Aldina, UCONN females' volleyball coach, Andrea Evans is preparing to follow the glow of the torch and enter into the arena. At 26 years old, she is considered a veteran on a squad of eleven. Bringing an undaunting concentration and sense of fun to the game, Andrea still looks for that gold at the end of her rainbow. According to the stats, that possibility is very much within reach. Ranked behind Australia and Argentina, the U.S. Team is the third best in the world and appears to be a strong contender for a medal. Only time will tell.

On May 10, 1996, Andrea Evans was the youngest person to be inducted into the Durfee High School - Athletic Hall of Fame. It is her latest achievement in a long list of many. Unfortunately, she was not in attendance to receive the honor, as each training day has become more precious than the one before it. In the meantime, the family looks forward to the opening ceremonies, while Andrea makes final preparations in her offensive strategy.

Without question, good things come to those who wait, while great things come to those who go after it. Andrea Evans has always dared to do just that. With the values of respect, honesty and dedication instilled deep within her; she represents both Fall River and America with pride and grace. In two months, under the flag of freedom, she will take to the court, while the Evans family will grab their seats in a sea of thousands. In triumph or defeat, they will share the incredible experience - together!

In the end, although volleyball is a team effort, not every player wears a uniform. Without debt or recognition, there are many that contribute. Whether it is Michael's silent screams of inspiration or the applause of the Evans' who remained in the shadows - worrying, hoping and seeing the dream through, Andrea was never alone. As a result of that loving support, she has reached her moment of glory. It is true: A touch of gold, silver or bronze would be nice, but by wearing the red, white and blue, she has already made her mark.

So, no matter the outcome of this summer's Olympic Games in Atlanta, Andrea Evans is already a winner. Her parents, Jacob and Emma, had seen to that long ago.

Jake wiped the tears from his eyes. Although the U.S. Women's Volleyball Team was ousted from medal contention in the third round of play, he could not have felt any more pride for his baby girl. Alas - the newspaper finally reported an accurate story. Andrea Evans was a winner! She'd served America in her own way, displaying some of the country's finest traits. In turn, Jake and Emma collected the priceless rewards of being called her parents.

Jake stood and started for the house. He thought about his little girl and continued to beam. Andrea was always a winner. He knew it from the moment they met.