For Presley Evans, track wasn’t always part of the plan. As a tumbler and cheerleader, she initially sought out the sport just to stay in shape after cheer season ended. “I have been involved in track since I was in 8th grade because I was looking for a spring sport,” she said. What started as a way to fill time quickly grew into a passion that would shape her high school career and future plans. Now, as a senior at Clinton High School, Evans is determined to leave her mark on the track.
Her biggest source of motivation comes from close to home—her younger brother, Gavin. Watching his growth in the sport has pushed her to be even better. “Right now, one of my biggest influences in track is my little brother Gavin. I see him grow so much in track and do so incredible, and honestly, I just want to beat him in the amount of gold medals he gets this year,” she said with a competitive smile.
Evans credits her success not only to personal dedication but also to the strong bond within her team. “I love our track team. I feel like we all are each other’s biggest fans, and the support we have for each other can’t be beat,” she said. That encouragement, paired with her relentless work ethic, has helped her evolve from a casual participant to a serious competitor with high expectations. “When I started track, I did it for fun, not being very good, and now this sport has opened up doors for me I never thought it would,” she said. “I would hope to be an inspiration to the younger kids, girls especially, that if I can go and do well, then they can too.”
Her goals for the season are clear—she wants to be on the podium at state and break the school record. But getting there hasn’t been easy. An ankle surgery during her senior year threatened to slow her down, but Evans refused to let it define her. “It has been hard for me to sit around and heal, but I’m refusing to let it slow me down. I hope to come back better than ever,” she said.
To stay in peak condition, Evans sticks to an intense training regimen, working out five days a week in the gym before heading to track practice for two hours after school. That discipline has paid off, allowing her to continuously improve. “PRing in my events at almost every track meet I went to,” she said, recalling one of her proudest moments from last season.
Looking ahead, Evans has big plans both on and off the track. “I plan to go to SWOSU to cheer and run track,” she said, eager to continue her athletic journey. Long-term, she dreams of possibly opening her own gym someday. But no matter where life takes her, one thing remains the same—her determination to prove that limits are meant to be broken. “If you met younger me, you’d never believe I am where I’m at right now. I didn’t think I’d ever be good enough to go to college for it, that’s for sure,” she admitted.
Through every challenge, Evans has relied on the unwavering support of her family and coaches. “My parents and my little brother, they never stop encouraging me,” she said. “And coach Cory Strahorn, for never giving up on me. I know I haven’t always been the easiest to coach, but you never stopped pushing me, and I will always appreciate you for that.”
With her relentless drive, inspiring journey, and unwavering support system, Presley Evans is ready to take on her final high school season—and whatever comes next.
