CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Rossview girls basketball senior Ever Walker signed to Bethel University on Monday, Dec. 2, as the college where she will continue her athletic and academic career.
Walker shared how she feels about following in her brother Damoni Franklin’s footsteps while also getting to play alongside one of her current Lady Hawk teammates, Kayla Gilmore.
“My brother loved Bethel and I’m excited to play with Kayla again,” Walker said. “Kayla and I have been playing together since the fourth grade.”
As a two-sport athlete in both track and field and basketball, Walker believes playing multiple sports allows her to perform at her best in each respectively.
“Both sports keep me conditioned all year round,” Walker said. “Track helps me with my quickness and ability to run fast.”
In order to be an effective point guard, the position demands a substantial amount of skill and leadership. Walker takes pride in knowing that she possesses the necessary traits required to control an offense.
“I feel that basketball is a team sport,” Walker said. “I like commanding the floor and seeing my teammates score.”
Rossview girls basketball coach Justin Woods raved about Walker’s ability to play at a high level on the court.
“Ever is a player that works really hard on her game,” Woods said. “She is an uber competitive player. Ever is a rare combination of fast and quick. She doesn’t lose a lot of quickness when the ball is in her hand. That is hard to find. I am very proud of Ever.”
Bethel University womens basketball coach Chris Nelson couldn’t be happier to welcome Walker aboard.
“She has the handles and the quickness,” Nelson said. “She has that ball on a yo-yo. She’s just got it. She’s going to make me look smart. We are blessed to have her and can’t wait to get her down here.”
According to Walker when it came down to it, her decision to choose Bethel was a relatively easy one.
“I had a little over nine or 10 offers including Trevecca, Roane State and Martin Methodist,” Walker said. “I still continue to get interest. Coach Nelson has a fun attitude and passion for the game. His offense will allow me to really display my talent.”
Walker dedicated her signing ceremony to her late grandfather Elvin A. Walker because of the impact he had on her life and the Clarksville community as a whole.
“My grandfather and my dad, Mike Franklin, both had a great impact on my career,” Walker said. “My dad picked up where he left off. My grandfather was a pastor here and a principal. He coached and mentored inner city youth and showed them a better way of life through basketball. He was a great man.”
Walker wanted to acknowledge those who have helped assist her on her journey to becoming a collegiate athlete.
“I just thank God for this blessing,” Walker said. “I want to thank my parents, my family, my church, coaches and my trainers Terry Boykin and Marqua McCuller.”