In the vibrant landscape of high school athletics, few players capture the spotlight quite like Megan Evans from Paul VI Volleyball in New Jersey. As a standout star on the court, Megan has not only showcased her impressive skills and dedication to the sport but has also become a role model for her peers. Her ability to balance rigorous academics with the demands of a competitive volleyball program highlights her exceptional work ethic and commitment to excellence, making her a force to be reckoned with both on and off the court.
As the current season unfolds, Megan faces the exciting challenge of navigating the pressures of high-stakes competition while also preparing for her future. She has committed to play D1 volleyball at UCONN who has opened their Fall season at 12-2 and has a roster of players from across the country as well as internationally. She will be playing with last years top performers from Williamstown, Dajah Williams. Megan is focused on honing her skills and making the most of her final two years at Paul VI. Her journey serves as an inspiration to young athletes who aspire to achieve greatness, proving that with determination and resilience, anything is possible.
In this interview, we will explore Megan’s experiences as a star player, her insights on balancing academics and athletics, and the invaluable lessons she has learned along the way. Join us as we dive into the life of this remarkable athlete, discovering what drives her passion for volleyball and how she plans to leave a lasting impact both on and off the court at Paul VI.
Hi Megan… You were one set away from a Non-Public group championship as well as a #1ranking in NJ. As a sophomore, you played your heart out in the final to complete a breakout year as a sophomore. What are your expectations for your last two years at Paul VI?
For my last two years at Paul VI, I have a couple expectations that we will hopefully follow through with. One is to continue to play challenging teams and really push our limits, giving it our all. The other would be to return to the state finals both years.
Can you tell us a bit about how you got started with volleyball and what drew you to the sport?
A friend asked me to do a summer volleyball clinic for fun when I was in 7th grade. I fell in love with the sport and decided to try out for a local club team. Prior to volleyball I played lacrosse which I had played since I was 5 years old. I quickly found that volleyball was what I really enjoyed. From that point on I focused solely on volleyball and looked for every opportunity to improve myself.
What colleges are you currently looking at?
I am very proud and excited to say I am verbally committed to play volleyball at The University of Connecticut (UConn).
What has been the most memorable moment of your volleyball career so far?
The most memorable moment for me thus far has to be winning sectionals last year against Donovan Catholic. The reason this was my favorite was because we lost a good number of talented seniors the previous year. We all stepped up and showed everyone who we really are. We all played well as a team and it was an amazing win! The feeling that we made it back to states was unforgettable.
How do you balance your academic responsibilities with your commitment to volleyball?
I make sure to always stay on top of my grades no matter what. When committed to school and a sport you really have to think of a strategy that works best for your personal self. For example, we have games right after school and some are far away so I have to use my time wisely and sometimes do things on the bus when traveling to and from games as well as when I get home.
Tell us about your head coach Dan Chung.
Coach Dan is a great coach and always motivates and encourages us to do our best. He is very knowledgeable and provides great feedback. He sees each one of our potentials and pushes us to be the best players we can be. He is one of the main reasons for my decision to attend PVI high school.
What professional field do you want to enter after college?
As of right now I am still undecided and trying to explore all my options.
Which team do you expect to be the toughest on your road to a Non-Public Group title?
The team I expect to be the toughest is IHA. The past 2 years while I’ve been at Paul VI we have faced them at the state finals and each match has gone to 3 sets. I am excited to see how the playoffs go and what happens this year.
Do you prefer the 5 set or 3 set matches?
I prefer 5 set matches.. Playing five sets gives you the chance to really showcase your abilities and gives you more opportunities. Any team can have an off game, playing five sets allows you to make adjustments and push on. Five set matches also prepares you for playing at the collegiate level, if that is what you want to pursue in the future.
Tell us about your teammates and some of the individuals that will contribute toward the Eagles success in 2024?
This year we have an amazing and talented group of girls that I am thrilled to be sharing the court with. All the girls have stepped it up this year and are pushing themselves to play up to their potentials that they know they have and that Coach Dan sees in us. Our success as a team is a group effort which makes it a tough question, but I would like to point out our returning seniors Kayle Arozio, Dani Mascolo, and Kass Avent. I can’t wait to play the rest of the season with them and they will be severely missed next year. They are not only amazing players but great leaders as well.
Tell us about your volleyball club experience?
My club experience at Jersey Juniors VBC has been very rewarding. Jersey Juniors has allowed me to increase my volleyball skills tremendously. The directors and coaches have helped me to grow into the player I am through their training and instruction and I can’t begin to thank them for everything.
Paul VI has opened up 10-0 including a thrilling 3-2 win over Southern. Is there any stopping the Eagles this season?
This season so far we have been trying different approaches on things and our hard work is starting to show. We may have ups and downs but in the end we are a strong physical team and can’t wait to show the other teams what we can do. The season will continue to be challenging since our goal is winning that state title but we are willing to put the hard work in and work toward achieving this.
Tell us about your rivalry with Padua in Delaware.
Padua is one of the out of state games set up by our coach that we play yearly. It’s always a competitive game and it’s nice to play some different teams out of our conference. We always expect a great match from them and playing teams of that level helps prepare us for playoffs.
Who is your role model?
My role model is Madisen Skinner. She is an amazing player who has won 3 NCAA championships (2020 with Kentucky/ 2022 and 2023 with Texas) as well as the Honda Sports Award as the best player in college volleyball in 2023. Her level of play is top notch and she is exciting to watch. You can tell she really enjoys playing the game.
