Evan Forte

"February 2nd, 2005. This was the day I watched my brother sign his letter of intent to play football for the University of Arkansas. I then watched him enjoy a successful 4 year career as a Razorback, and graduate with two degrees. Going to almost every Razorback game as kid, I remember looking up to those college football players, thinking "I want this to be me one day". So I set out to make that happen.

Growing up, God blessed me with exceptional athletic ability, allowing me to excel at both football and basketball. I played both sports all through my childhood. My dreams changed from football in college, to playing both sports in college, to playing basketball in college. It seemed right, since I was tall, long and athletic. But when high school came, I learned that just because something seems right, doesn't mean it is. During my sophomore year, I evaluated myself. Football just came natural to me and I loved it from the beginning, so I decided that I wanted to play it on the next level. I continued to play basketball though, just because I loved the game. Then, during the summer before my junior year, my life changed...

During football practice one day, I remember coming out of a drill and feeling stiff. My back started to hurt, but I didn't wanna stop practicing. As the next few practices went by, I had to, because I simply couldn't make the moves I needed to make. Most of my teammates thought I was playing games and just scared of the contact, but I wasn't. I went to the doctor and found out that I had aggravated an injury I sustained playing basketball that summer: a herniated disc. I was scared that I'd never be able to play any sport, ever again. My mom and some of my other family members told me that I should focus on basketball, but I knew in my heart that I wanted to play college football. I prayed every single day and asked God not just to bring me out of my situation, but to also bring me out a better individual. I remembered Phillippians 4:13. I knew I had to keep my faith in Him. God healed me, and I was able to come back and play that season. My junior season was okay, but not good enough to impress any college coaches. I remembered something my brother told me as a child: "all it takes is one season for you to earn a scholarship". I took this to heart, and told myself "My senior season will be the best one I've ever had". The summer before my senior season, I spent every day working out, either on my own, or at the fieldhouse with my teammates. (My parents put up with that, too.) I wasn't about to be denied. I wasn't about to give up on my dream. I improved over the summer, and when it was time to stand and deliver, I delivered.

I was having an awesome season, and during the 9th week of it, I took a visit to Lyon College in Batesville, Arkansas. I ran into the football coaches there, and they had already heard about me. One week later, they offered me a football scholarship. When I told my dad, he responded "you see? If you work hard and do the right thing, things will turn out for the better". The season wasn't over yet though. When it was, we finished 9-3, I earned all conference honors, won the Champion Award for best Student-Athlete on the team, and was the captain of one of the most successful teams in school history. And indeed, my senior season was the best one I've ever had. Two months later, I committed to play college football for Lyon. I had reached my goal. My dream was coming true. All I could do was thank God.

I had a goal. There were ups. There were downs. I was underestimated. But through it all, I stayed with it and achieved it. I learned the value of hard work by working hard. All because of my faith in God. He's always there. No matter how bleak things may seem. He loves you. He's in the stands long before anyone else is. He's on the field, court and track before you get there. He is your #1 fan, and He wants to see you shine! Anything is possible, if you BELIEVE!"

Age: 17 years old
Attends: Mills High School
Little Rock, Arkansas

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