Story by Gage Johnson
Senior writer
gjohnson17@murraystate.edu
England is home to the Premier League, professional soccer’s most prestigious league in the world. But for junior forward Evelyn Adebayo, she chose the hardwood over the turf growing up in London, England.
Adebayo played soccer growing up through primary school and even some in college in England. However, basketball was always her main focus, after a PE teacher spotted her in secondary school she took it to the next level.
“Ms. Charles, she kinda spotted me in my first PE class when I was in year seven (sixth grade in the US),” Adebayo said. “She wanted me to try out for the school team and from there I just kept playing.”
From there Adebayo continued to play for her school team before joining a club team and then being chosen to play for Great Britain in the U20 European Championships. It was with the national team that Adebayo realized she could come to the United State to play collegiately.
“The first year I played for the national team I was playing against a lot of people that were playing college basketball too,” Adebayo said. “So everyone was telling me it was a possibility for me too.”
With help from her college coaches in England and a connection with the Gardner Webb University Head Coach Rick Reeves, Adebayo was offered a scholarship. After two years with the Runnin’ Bulldogs, Adebayo decided upon a change of scenery.
Shortly after learning of Adebayo’s transfer request via email, Head Coach Rechelle Turner and staff jumped at the opportunity to bring her to Murray State.
“We immediately contacted her and began the recruiting process,” Turner said. “After talking with her and developing a relationship we brought her on a visit. We instantly connected with Evelyn and convinced her to join our Racer family.”
While Adebayo sat out last season, she came to the conclusion that she had taken for granted the opportunities she received. With the changes she has made, she has formed herself into one of the better players in the conference.
“I think since I’ve been here I just flipped the switch and been more engaged and focused,” Adebayo said. “Realizing what I have and what I can do, and to just use my talent and do something with it.”
Adebayo has used her talent extremely well. The junior forward leads the OVC in scoring at 18.3 ppg while also leading the conference in rebounding at 11.7 rpg. She has become a double-double machine, earning 15 double-doubles to this point in the season.
With these astounding statistics, it’s fair to say Adebayo is the frontrunner for OVC Player of the Year. For Adebayo this would be an honor, and she give thanks to God for the opportunity and to her teammates for helping her.
“Oh, that would be amazing,” Adebayo said. “It’s honestly all by God’s grace. Whatever he has planned for me, I know it’s something great. I should be very thankful especially for teammates and coaches for believing in me. It would be an achievement I’d be very proud of.”
While Turner always knew what Adebayo was capable of as a basketball player, Turner is proud of the growth she has made on and off the court.
“From the time she has arrived on campus her work ethic has definitely improved,” Turner said. “One of the things I am most proud of is Evelyn’s willingness to step out of her comfort zone and getting involved with the community. She is very active in volunteering with the youth at Journey Church.”
With her long journey to Murray State, Adebayo is happy for the opportunity to play and go to work with her teammates and coaches to have a solid year.
“Realizing the opportunity I had, I just wanted to make the most of it and do whatever I can for the team to have a successful season,” Adebayo said.