Colton Evans returns to Carson-Newman for last year of eligibility
From the early days playing on the PCMA fields in Henderson to suiting up for the Henderson Flash, baseball has always been part of Colton Evans. But for all the accolades he’s collected, Evans’ story did not come without a few bumps in the road.
A 2021 graduate of Henderson County High School, Evans didn’t wait long to make his mark. A member of the varsity team since eighth grade, he would have been a three-year starter had the 2020 season not been wiped out by the COVID-19 pandemic. But when he finally got his chance to shine during his senior season, he dominated.
In 2021, Evans put together one of the most efficient offensive seasons in HCHS history. He posted a staggering .495 batting average and reached base at a .571 clip, notching 50 hits, 20 RBIs, and 41 stolen bases. Colton’s career batting average of .401 was not far from the record held by HCHS Hall of Famer Kyle Gibson at .409.
But for Evans, it was not just about numbers. It was about an opportunity to continue his baseball career. And with that season, he punched his ticket to continue playing the sport he loved at the next level. Evans took his talents to Vincennes University, a junior college program in Indiana, where he didn’t waste any time making an impact.
As a freshman in 2022, Evans took over at third base in a decision the coaches would not regret. He racked up 81 hits, ranking fifth all-time in VU history for a single season, while posting a .411 batting average, 17 doubles, three home runs, 42 RBIs and 47 runs scored.
Despite suffering a torn labrum during that freshman year, Evans pushed through, playing the entire season injured. He returned for a sophomore campaign that was nearly as impressive. Switching to the outfield, he hit .345 with 59 hits, 13 doubles, and a team-leading seven home runs to go along with 50 RBIs.
Following the end of his two-year stint at Vincennes, where he was twice named Second-Team All-Conference, Colton underwent the first of five surgeries.
Evans’ next stop was Carson-Newman University, an NCAA Division II program in Jefferson City, Tenn. But just as his career was gaining momentum, adversity began to creep in.
Before his junior season, Evans underwent ankle surgery in January 2024. Despite the setback, he found time to play with the Henderson Flash in the summer, helping them capture an OVL Championship.
Health concerns, however, returned last fall. In September, Colton started feeling symptoms he thought were consistent with a triceps strain.
“My mom, Shawna Evans, and physical therapist aunt, Mary Anne O’Daniel, both told me to go to the doctor for a couple of days because it could’ve been more serious than a strain,” Evans said. “I went to my PT at school, and Don (Reagan) ran some tests. Within thirty minutes, they had me a place to go get it looked at. The next morning, they were removing the clots.”
During this surgery, the doctors diagnosed Colton with venous thoracic outlet syndrome or VTOS, a condition that restricts blood flow due to vein compression in the shoulder.
“The doctor told me the blood clot removal was only the start, and I was going to need another surgery,” he said.
So, in December, Evans had two more surgeries: a rib resection and another procedure related to the blood clot. At a moment when most athletes might have walked away, Evans refused to quit.
“Honestly, it really just was looking to God and trusting Him with everything,” Evans said. “He’s not going to give you a battle you can’t overcome.”
Five surgeries later and a rib lighter, Colton returned to the field this summer with the Flash. And if there’s one thing he’s learned, it’s not to take any of it for granted.
“I’m taking it one day at a time and embracing the moment because it was taken away from me there for a little bit,” Evans said. “Just getting to play again, I feel like a kid in a candy shop.”
Evans started the season with the Flash as an assistant coach but later was able to get out on the field. Batting in 12 games, he was able to connect at a .256 rate, while hitting five RBI. Notably, he was flawless on defense with a 1.00 fielding percentage.
Now, he sets his sights on Carson-Newman. With one final season of eligibility remaining, Evans is now pursuing his MBA after earning his undergraduate degree with a perfect 4.0 GPA. He’s still pushing himself academically, but his focus on the field has shifted.
“A personal goal for myself is to try and impact other people in the best way that I can,” he said. “And I also just want to embrace and enjoy every moment I have. For a while there, I didn’t know if the game was going to get taken from me.”
Although he is away at school for most of the year, Evans’ connection to his hometown remains unbreakable. He’s returned three summers to play for the Flash, where familiar faces and family support have helped him through the toughest times.
“It’s awesome,” he said of playing for the Flash. “It means a little something extra when you’re playing for your hometown team. I get to spend time with my family on my off days, and that means a lot to me.”
The support system between family, friends, coaches and community has been essential.
“All of the community, especially my family and close friends, have been the first call I make when things go bad, but also when things go good,” Evans said. “The big part of getting through adversity is relying on other people.”
One of the lessons that’s stuck with him most comes from his coach at Carson-Newman, Tom Griffin.
“Coach Griffin preaches to get out of yourself and into other people,” Evans said. “That’s what really took the weight off of my shoulders.”
With the 2025 season approaching, and Carson-Newman fresh off its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2008, Evans is eager to contribute to a team with momentum.
But more than stats or titles, Evans is motivated by another chance to play the game he loves.
