Evan Russell

Classroom

Russell is studying finance and is one of the top students at Tennessee.

He carries a 3.40 GPA and has been named to both the SEC Spring Academic Honor Roll and Dean’s List three times.

In 2019, Russell was named a Google Cloud Academic All-American. He is just the eighth player in program history to earn that distinction.

Character

For the last three seasons, Russell has been one of Tennessee’s leaders. He has been voted a team captain the last two seasons. Russell acts as a mentor to the younger players, offering advice and guidance as they navigate the life of a student-athlete.

He is a great role model for the fans to look up to. Russell is able to lift the spirits of others when they may be struggling.

Russell has also been able to impact individuals outside of the program. He formed a relationship with Jaygen, a young child who is part of Team IMPACT. The organization tackles the emotional trauma and social isolation experienced by children facing serious and chronic illnesses by matching them with a college athletic team.

Through our two-year therapeutic program that complements their medical treatments, children develop relationships and skills that help them complete the full circle of healing. Russell and Jaygen talk frequently and have even seen the Tennessee baseball field together. Russell is able to keep in touch with Jaygen daily by texts through his mother.

Community

Russell has embodied what it means to be a Volunteer while at Tennessee. Growing up nearby, he has been very active in the community by volunteering with organizations, events, and causes. These include the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, Team IMPACT, and the Knoxville Challenger League.

He has also volunteered at on-campus events, such as VOLoween. Tennessee student-athletes host children from families of the athletic department on the indoor football field. There are numerous events and games designed for the children to interact with the student-athletes.

In March of 2020, Russell and his teammates held a baseball clinic to raise funds for those who were affected by the devastating tornadoes that hit Nashville.

Competition

Since arriving in 2018, Russell has been a consistent presence in Tennessee’s starting lineup. He has played in 115 games and made 98 starts.

In that span, Russell has tallied 92 hits, 74 RBIs, 64 runs, and 11 home runs. His 11 home runs rank second most on the team.

In 2019, he finished third on the team with a .446 SLG. Russell helped lead the Vols back to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2005.