The University of Tennessee Southern proudly honors the remarkable career and announces the retirement of Women’s Basketball Head Coach, Billy Evans, effective July 1, 2024. Beginning his tenure when the institution was known as Martin Methodist College (MMC), which transitioned to UT Southern following its acquisition by the University of Tennessee in July 2021, Coach Evans has been a pivotal figure in UTS athletics, serving from 2018 to 2024 and amassing 77 wins, placing him second on the program’s all-time wins list.
During his tenure, Evans has not only marked his presence on the court but also made significant contributions off it. He entered the season ranking 21st on the NAIA active coach’s win list. In 2020, he led the MMC Redhawks to a runner-up finish in the Southern States Atlantic Conference Tournament, guiding the campus to a league championship game for the first time since 2018.
Before joining UT Southern, Coach Evans helmed the University of Mobile’s basketball program from 2012-2018, achieving 106 wins and leading the team to the NAIA championship in 2014 and 2017. His leadership has left an indelible mark on the SSAC record books in numerous individual and team categories.
Reflecting on his retirement, Coach Evans shared, “This is a bittersweet moment for me as a very important chapter of my professional life ends. I have loved being a basketball coach for three decades and am so grateful for the many blessings and opportunities this profession has given me. My heartfelt thanks go to everyone who has been a part of my journey here at Martin Methodist / UT Southern – administrators, coaches, athletic trainers, and all the support stuff that make up Athletics department. Most of all, I want to thank the student-athletes I have been privileged to coach over the years. The students are why I got into coaching and will be the ones I will miss the most in the day-to-day.”
Evans expressed his gratitude towards former MMC Athletic Director Jeff Bain for the opportunity to coach at MMC/UT Southern, Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics, Brandie Paul, for her unwavering support, Interim Chancellor Dr. Linda C. Martin for her passionate support of the university, and the dedicated Athletics staff including Jenn Carroll, Assistant Coach Maria Zimdars, and Zach O’Kelley for their exceptional contributions to the program.
In appreciation of Coach Evans’ legacy, Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics, Brandie Paul, added, “Coach Evan’s dedication to the development of our student-athletes, both on and off the court, has been exemplary. His impact on UT Southern athletics will be felt for many years to come. We wish him all the best in his retirement.”
A national search for a new head coach will commence immediately, as UT Southern looks to build upon the solid foundation laid by Coach Evans.
https://www.utsfirehawks.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/releases/20240312expcg2
Tagged with: NAIA
