Evans Signs To Play College Baseball

By DAVE BELCHER

The Progress

Moapa Valley High School senior Rylan Evans has signed to play baseball for the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California under Head Coach Chris Rodriguez. Rylan is the son of Wayne and Melissa Evans. Evans carries a 4.45 grade point average at Moapa Valley High School.

Evans has had a distinguished career as a baseball player during his years at MVHS. He is the 2021 Nevada 3A Mountain Division Most Valuable player. He is on the 2021 Nevada 3A first team All Southern Region at shortstop. He is currently ranked as the #13 player in Nevada’s 2022 class by the Prep Baseball Report website.

A signing ceremony was held at MVHS on Wednesday morning, Nov. 10. In attendance was a small group of family, friends and coaches to watch Evans sign his papers.

Evans talked about what a momentous day it was for him. “This truly is a dream come true to sign my National Letter of Intent,” he said. “I’ve been working towards this moment my whole life.”

Evans expressed gratitude to those who had helped him along the way. “I’m especially thankful for Coach Justin Williams who has pushed me both mentally and physically to be the player I am today,” Evans said. “Coach Brandon Turley has believed in me and helped make me a better player. Coach Trevor Peterson, was my little league coach and helped me initially fall in love with baseball. Last but not least I would like to thank my parents who have believed in me and spent countless time and money on helping me be a good baseball player and a good person.”

MVHS Coach Justin Williams praised Evans for his work ethic. “Rylan is the hardest working kid I have ever coached,” he said. “I expect nothing but great success from him wherever he goes. He is a great example to the kids up-and coming. He is a great teammate. Emotionally he is a great human being. I am very proud of him and look forward to following his athletic journey.”