« Women’s Basketball 2010-11

Dawn Evans

School
James Madison
Position
Guard
Major
Health Sciences
PPG
23.1
RPG
3.5
APG
4.5

Classroom

Evans is on track to graduate in May 2011 in health sciences with a pre-physical therapy concentration.

Character

Evans has been diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a disease that attacks the kidneys’ filtering system. Her grace, grit and determination in continuing to play Division I basketball while dealing with the effects of FSGS have earned her the respect of her teammates, coaches and team medical personnel, who see her facing challenges on a daily basis. She has also earned the respect of community members and opposing players and coaches, along with basketball fans from around the nation who have become acquainted with her situation due to media coverage. Evans’ leadership capabilities were recognized early in her playing career, as she was elected a team captain as a sophomore and has continued in that capacity since that time. She was the recipient of the CAA’s 2010 John H. Randolph Inspiration Award, which recognizes individuals who through strength of character and human spirit serve as an inspiration to all to maximize their potential and ability for success. Evans was also a finalist for the 2010 Honda Inspiration Award.

Community

To help raise public awareness of FSGS, last spring Evans accepted an invitation by The NephCure Foundation to serve as an ambassador for that organization, which raises funds to support research seeking a cause and cure for FSGS and Nephrotic syndrome. Other community activities have included participation in Day with the Dukes, an event for area Special Olympians, and Children First, a play day for area families. She has read books to children as part of a program at local elementary schools, and she has taken part in Monster Mash, a safe trick-or-treating event for area children

Competition

Despite being diagnosed with her kidney disorder last year, Evans scored 24.6 points per game and led James Madison to a 26-7 record, the CAA tournament championship, a top-25 national ranking and an NCAA tournament berth. She missed only two of 33 games because of FSGS symptoms, and personal honors included honorable-mention Associated Press All-American, first-team All-CAA, WBCA State Farm All-Region II team member, finalist for the WBCA State Farm All-America team and runner-up for CAA Player of the Year. Her point total ranked fifth in the nation and she also led the team with 4.6 assists per game. Evans enters the 2010-11 season on the watch lists for the Wade Trophy and Wooden Award and was voted preseason CAA Co-Player of the Year. She’s been predicted by Draftsite.com to be picked in the first round of the 2011 Women’s National Basketball Association Draft. Evans has virtually re-written the JMU record books with 40 school records through her first three seasons. She enters the 2010-11 season 215 points away from the school career points record of 2,121 and is on pace to also break the CAA career scoring record of 2,581.