Hall of Fame Spotlight: Linda Evans

AMES, Iowa ? The game has changed since Linda Evans played her last Iowa State volleyball match. One thing remains the same. She is still one of the all-time greats. That much was affirmed this summer when she was selected to the Iowa State Athletics Hall of Fame.

When Evans played from 1984-87, games were played to just 15 points with side out scoring leading to matches that often lasted well over two hours. The Iowa Falls native remembers a number of matches draining everything from her, including her record-setting 35-kill performance against Kansas her junior year.

“That match went five games and I believe was one of the longest matches I ever played in,” Evans said. “At the time, I didn't know I had that many kills. I was playing well and our setter, Missy Roberts, just kept setting me the ball.”

The 35 kills shattered the previous school record of 24 kills and stood for the next eight years.

“It is amazing that the record held so long and still stands second at ISU, especially knowing the caliber of athletes that followed behind me,” Evans said.

Evans, who on Sept. 25 will become just the second volleyball player inducted to the Hall of Fame, fondly recalls her time in Ames. Among the memories she cherishes most are the lifelong friendships built and wearing the Iowa State University uniform.

The former middle blocker also remembers a match against Texas during her rookie season.

“It was early in my freshman year at Texas,” Evans recalls. “I started at middle blocker and was lined up against a senior All-American for the Longhorns. How frightening is that right out of high school? I grew up rather quickly after that match. What a tremendous wakeup call.”

Evans did grow up, blossoming into one of the top players in school history. She held nearly every school record when she graduated and is one of only five players in school history to be named first-team all-conference twice.

In her final season, Evans posted one of the best seasons in ISU history. Her 429 kills, 437 digs and 63 service aces solidified her as one of the top all-around players ever to don the Cardinal and Gold. She led the Cyclones to their best record in the Big Eight at 8-4.

Evans remembers that season like it happened yesterday, but still has a difficult time stomaching the ending to her career.

“I remember arriving on campus early for two-a-days and working hard in preparation for the first match,” Evans said. “We were upset in the conference tournament by Colorado, a team we had beaten soundly twice during the regular season. Today, I still find it hard to think about.

“I was sad to see it end,” Evans adds. “When you represent such a great university and have gained life-long friendships, it is very difficult to let go.”

Evans went on to graduate from Iowa State in 1988 with a degree in recreation/leisure studies. After graduation, she played professionally for one season in France before returning to the states and serving as an assistant coach at Butler University.

Evans eventually left coaching and started a career in human resources. She received a master's degree in 2001 from Cardinal Stritch University and currently serves as the Director of Human Resources for Douglas Dynamics, LLC in Milwaukee, Wis.

The Sheboygan, Wis., resident has kept up with the Cyclones since leaving Iowa State.

“Christy (Johnson-Lynch) has been a great addition to Iowa State,” Evans said. “I have been following the team's progress over the years. I was able to attend the UW-Milwaukee Tournament in 2008 and the Volleyball Alumni reunion hosted by the Letterwinners Club a few years ago.”

Evans is looking forward to induction weekend, where she'll be one of seven newcomers to the ISU Hall of Fame.

“I'm looking forward to being back around the college atmosphere again,” Evans said. “I really miss college athletics and it brings back many fond memories.”

Without a doubt, Cyclone fans will be happy to have her back home.

Iowa State University Athletics

Hall of Fame Spotlight: Linda Evans

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