Courtesy: North Carolina Athletics
CHAPEL HILL – Due to health concerns resulting from concussions, sophomore Mariah Evans has medically retired from volleyball, but will remain involved with the Carolina Volleyball program as a student assistant coach.
“With the support of my team doctors and athletic trainers, the only conclusion to these injuries was a medical retirement,” Evans said. “My love for this program, my teammates and coaches has only grown through this process. As I am sad that my playing days have come to an end, I am excited to step into my new position as an undergraduate assistant coach. I have been overwhelmed by the love and encouragement from my family and friends through this difficult transition. I look forward to completing my academic career as a Tar Heel, because there is nowhere like UNC.”
“This has been a long process for Mariah since last August, and we are sad that is has come to this conclusion,” head coach Joe Sagula said, “but we are delighted that she will remain at UNC and continue with our volleyball program. Mariah will move into an undergraduate assistant coach position where she will continue to share in her knowledge for volleyball and for Carolina with the young team we will have starting this fall. She has already immersed herself into the position and we all appreciate her dedication and commitment to UNC and her teammates.”
Evans was sidelined for the 2017 season, but made a significant impact on the 2016 team, playing in all 33 matches as a 6-2 setter. She totaled 503 assists, 168 digs, 12 aces, 12 kills and two blocks with a single error for a .478 hitting percentage. Evans ranked seventh all time among UNC freshmen in total assists and sixth in sets played. She led UNC’s offense to its second-highest hitting percentage in program history, an ACC-leading .273 clip. The 2016 ACC academic honor roll member registered three double-doubles, including back-to-back in the NCAA Tournament and recorded double-digit assists in 27 of 33 appearances with seven 20-assist performances.
Evans will continue her education at Carolina, majoring in media and journalism, with a concentration in advertising.
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