Sterling College Athletics and Vice President for Athletics, Scott Downing, announced today that Evan Belk will be the next head women’s basketball coach at Sterling College.
“Coach Belk’s passion for the mission of Sterling College, his caring attitude towards his players, and his love for his family stuck out to me as difference makers during our interview,” Downing said. “He understands the legacy of Lady Warrior Basketball and will work daily to lead our program with excellence. We are excited to have his family join us.”
Belk came to Sterling College in 2012 and played basketball for Dean Jaderston until he transferred to Ozark Christian College where he played basketball and earned the Spiritual Leader Team Award in 2015. He also was part of the soccer team at Ozark that won the NCCAA Division II Regional Championship.
“Sterling holds a dear place in my heart. The impact that Sterling College had on me cannot be underestimated. I found mentors, best friends and created memories that have lasted a lifetime. To come back here and be a part of creating the same impact on others is a gift,” Belk said.
He earned his Bachelor of Science in Education from Missouri Southern State University with a certification in K-12 Physical Education in 2019 and went on to get a Bachelor of Bi-Vocational Ministry from Ozark Christian College in 2020.
From 2014-2024, Belk was the Regional Director of Rain Makers Christian Sports Ministry, overseeing the ministry and athletic endeavors of Northwest Arkansas.
He started his collegiate coaching career as an assistant basketball coach and assistant sports information director in 2021 for Cottey College in Nevada, Mo. before taking over as the head coach in 2024.
During his time at Cottey, Belk helped lead the women’s basketball team to their best season (19-10, 15-8) since 2011 and had nine players setting single season records in five different categories.
As a head coach, the Comets were ranked third in the NAIA in least amount of turnovers committed per game, 15th in points allowed per game and 31st in opponent field goal percentage while leading the team to the most wins in program history since joining the NAIA.
However, in Belk’s eyes, his greatest feat was not on the court and had nothing to do with x’s and o’s.
“Of particular meaning and importance to me are the Bible studies my wife and I hold for our girls—young women who don’t know Jesus, but know we believe. The questions they ask, the tears they shed, and the growth I have seen in these young students means everything to me. It’s why I do it,” he said. “I believe in using your gifts and passions to impact those around you. We can create champions on and off the court and prepare these young women to change the world around them.”
Belk is excited about Sterling College’s Christ-centered community and looks forward to being part of a program with such a rich history of success both on the hard wood and in the community.
“The Sterling College Women’s Basketball program has set a high standard on and off the court,” Belk said. “This standard will remain unchanged under my leadership—to bring championships home, and each year create a sisterhood with Christ at the center and memories that last a lifetime.”
Athletic Director Justin Morris is looking forward to seeing how Belk uses his abilities to continue the success of the women’s basketball program.
“We are genuinely impressed by Evan’s basketball knowledge, his ability to connect with student-athletes and his unwavering commitment to the mission of our institution. We believe he has the vision and leadership to continue the success of our long-standing tradition in women’s basketball program but also to inspire our student-athletes to excel both on and off the court.” Morris said.
Belk is excited to continue coaching and is looking forward to seeing how God uses him in this next season of life.
“I would like to thank President Dr. Scott Rich, Vice President of Athletics Scott Downing and Athletic Director Justin Morris for this incredible opportunity. There is a tradition Lonnie Kruse and K.C. Bassett have set. I look forward to the challenge of not just maintaining that tradition, but continuing to build onto this incredible program,” he said.
https://www.scwarriors.com/general/2024-25/releases/20250514gfairi
Tagged with: NAIA
