Up2Us Sports coaches are leaders in the field of sports-based youth development (SBYD), but they often don't receive the recognition they deserve. Coaches' Corner is our way to show our appreciation for our incredible coaches who make positive change in their communities every day!
This month we spoke with Catherin (Cassie) Evans, a coach at Harlem Lacrosse-Baltimore.
Photo courtesy of UMBC Lacrosse Instagram
A native of Howard County, Maryland, Evans attended the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) for undergraduate studies and played Division 1 Lacrosse. She will be going to the University of Michigan for Medical School in the upcoming year. Coach Cassie has been an Up2Us Sports coach since September of 2022. She originally came to Harlem Lacrosse-Baltimore as a volunteer and was there for four years. When asked about what brought her to her current host site, she said:
“During my gap years between undergrad and medical school, I knew I wanted to be a part of something meaningful and give back to the community. I decided to reach out to Jenny at Harlem Lacrosse to become more involved. She was thrilled with the idea and helped me get enrolled with Up2Us Sports so I could strengthen my coaching skills and be an active member of our team.”
As well as being a lacrosse coach through Up2Us Sports, Cassie has filled the role of Assistant Program Director with Harlem Lacrosse-Baltimore, and tutors high school girls. She elaborated:
“Along with coaching high school girls lacrosse, I had the opportunity to be more involved in the role of Assistant Program Director of the high school girls. I was able to help plan and coordinate community events, assist & tutor all of the players in their academic pursuits, and help to navigate social-emotional and environmental life challenges that our players have faced.”
“I also learned how to build meaningful and deep relationships with youth. I did this by following the Up2Us Sports guidelines on making connections, it was very helpful!”
Cassie has been a positive influence on her athletes and those around her, and has helped them excel in both their academics and lacrosse. She has had many successes and learned many lessons as a result of her coaching. When asked what the biggest lesson she has learned as a coach has been, she said:
“I have learned that it is okay to not know all the answers. Sometimes, things happened in our players' lives that I had never experienced before so keeping an open mind and learning as I go was very important. It reinforced to me that winning is not everything – the quality of team time, laughs, and teamwork on the field were far more important. I also learned how to build meaningful and deep relationships with youth. I did this by following the Up2Us Sports guidelines on making connections, it was very helpful!”
Cassie has mostly worked with high school-aged girls, however, she is hardworking, encourages others to do their best, and is well-liked by her fellow coaches. When asked what a typical practice looks like, she said:
“I worked with high school girls in Baltimore, Maryland! They were amazing, fun, positive, and hardworking. Our girls are fighters, they push through each bad day and persevere so they can achieve in the classroom and on the field. I am so proud of them. Sometimes we would be two women down in the games,10 versus 12 people, and they would never complain about the lack of numbers or that it was unfair. They always gave it their all no matter what!”
“Our practices started with warm-ups, small group stick groups, small sided drills, then more scrimmage-like situations. Due to low numbers I would usually participate in all the drills and it really made me find the joy in lacrosse again which I lost temporarily after graduating college.”
As well as working with able-bodied athletes, Coach Cassie has also worked with athletes who have both cognitive and physical disabilities. Her kindness, patience, and willingness to adapt has put her athletes at ease. When asked about how she coaches athletes with disabilities, she said:
“I like to be patient and loving with all my athletes but especially those with disabilities. I think leading with kindness is the best way to go. I also think catering the style of coaching and instruction to the athlete so that they can best understand and complete the task is especially helpful.”
Cassie also works with athletes in the LGBTQ+ and is a strong supporter of the community. When asked if she has ever worked with athletes who identified as being part of the LGBTQ+ community, she said:
“Yes! I do work with people in the LGBTQ+ community. I admire the bravery and the desire for our players to be their authentic selves. I have loved encouraging and supporting our youth in finding themselves and being confident in their own skin.”
As both a volunteer, and a current Up2Us Coach, it is clear that Coach Cassie cares a great deal for her athletes. When asked about what her biggest accomplishment as a coach has been, she said:
“Watching all the players grow this past session has been an amazing accomplishment. From not being able to catch and throw to playing entire games with no subs, it was awesome to see. I also think the emphasis I put on school work and how that translated to the girls was huge. Everyday I tried to reinforce how important education is and that they should be trying their best. The GPA boost between 1st quarter and 4th quarter was huge and I hope I said it enough that it will get carried over into next year.”
Additionally Coach Cassie shared what she likes most about working with her athletes. She said:
“I love the community that Harlem Lacrosse has created for all the athletes involved. Having the opportunity to participate in some of Harlem’s national events it was amazing to see the friends that existed even though the players lived in different states. I also have really enjoyed being a part of the mission to expand the game of lacrosse to those who may have not have had access previously due to a multitude of reasons. I really do feel like these connections will be lifelong and I hope to continue to mentor, advise, and support our players even after I finish my term with Up2Us.” Cassie has had a tremendous impact on her young students, who will carry the lessons she has taught them, many years into the future.
Coach Cassie has also given back to her community by teaching youth how to feel confident in their abilities, and how to stand on their own two feet. Her girls are strong, fearless, and compassionate. When asked how she has given back to her community, she said:
“During my time as a coach, I tried to help our players who may have been experiencing food insecurity, housing insecurity, or with whatever they needed. I always brought my old clothes to give to the girls and I never showed up without snacks! I would take the kids to lunch and dinners making sure that they wouldn't be hungry at night.”
“In addition, I am currently on the Board of Directors of an amazing nonprofit called The Well. This Baltimore-based nonprofit helps women who have experienced trauma reinvent themselves and get the help they need to survive. I have assisted in funding, childcare, support groups and more. From volunteering to pursuing more of a leadership role at this nonprofit I have learned so much about trauma centered care in which I will bring to my medical career.”
As for what’s next for Coach Cassie? She will be heading off to Medical School within the next year. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors!
Cassie has served as an Up2Us Sports coach at Harlem Lacrosse-Baltimore in Maryland since September 2022 thanks to support from AmeriCorps.
