After four years as the New Canaan’s boys varsity basketball coach, Mike Evans is stepping down, NewCanaanite.com has learned.
Mike Evans huddles up. Credit: Terry Dinan
Both New Canaan Athletic Director Jay Egan and Evans himself have confirmed that Evans resigned as of this afternoon, and that the players were told at the school. The reason for Evans’ departure has not been publicly disclosed.
In an email sent to the NCHS basketball families earlier today, Egan stated:
“During his tenure New Canaan Boys Basketball has become a program that is well respected around the F.C.I.A.C. Interest and enthusiasm for basketball in New Canaan has significantly increased as result of Coach Evans’ influence.
“I greatly appreciate all the work Mike has done with our program and the NCBA over the past 4 seasons. He has a deep passion for the game of basketball and has worked tirelessly to share that passion with the youth of New Canaan. Thanks to Coach Evans’ hard work there is a strong basketball foundation in New Canaan that will lead to many successful Basketball seasons in the years to come.”
Evans at one of his winter clinics. Credit: Terry Dinan
Since taking over the program prior to the 2012-13 season, Evans compiled a 20-60 record at New Canaan, and was heavily involved in building the town’s youth travel program which saw unprecedented growth and success this past year. Despite the Rams’ 4-16 record this past season, New Canaan competed in almost every game, averaging more than 50 points per contest while holding opponents to an average of 56.2.
Evans also runs New Canaan youth basketball clinics and summer camps and told NewCanaanite.com that he will still be involved in those until his successor is in place.
Mike Evans met the Dalai Lama in Northern Ireland ca. 2006. Contributed
Evans is a 2001 Weston High School graduate and all-state basketball player who set several scoring records when he continued his playing career at Hamilton College. He earned his master’s in education from Harvard and is the founder of Full Court Peace, a non-profit organization which, according to its website, strives to “unite, educate and strengthen local and global communities through basketball.”
We will update the story as more information becomes available.
Thanks Mike for the tremendous work you have done to promote basketball for the youth of New Canaan and best of luck in your future endeavors.
Mike: You have had the opportunity to influence two of my children. I thank you for that! My 8th grader says you are the best and most interesting substitute teacher he has ever had. My 4th grader began her love of basketball in a clinic you gave her. I wish you much success in your future and happiness in the knowledge that you made a difference here.