THE CRACK of the bat against the leather ball pierced through the air. Evan Keller crouched behind the plate, the worn mitt an extension of his own hand. Keller had seen this field many times before, but this game was the highly anticipated Moore County game, the culmination of countless hours of spring practices. But the pressure wasn’t a burden for Keller — it was a familiar song. With his gaze unmoved and locked onto the pitcher, his mind was a flurry of calculations — pitch type, batter’s stance, wind direction. The ball soared right into his mitt.
Keller stands out as an exceptional student and athlete who possesses character and dedication. He graduated as the salutatorian of his senior class and plans to attend the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT Knoxville), where he will pursue a degree in aerospace engineering. His journey to this point has been marked by a commitment to excellence, both on the baseball field and in the classroom.
Keller excels in academics and athletics thanks to his discipline and time management skills.
“Putting in the work required in the classroom and on the baseball field both take time and effort,” he explained. “You have to know how to manage your time in order to excel and be successful.”
Outside of the demands of practices and games, Keller has consistently maintained high academic standards. His achievements have set a positive example for his peers and younger students, showing that balancing athletics and academics is possible with the right systems.
As a senior baseball player, Keller has embraced his role as a leader and mentor to his teammates. He expresses the importance of finding a balance between being direct and honest with your teammates while also keeping their morale up and helping them achieve their full potential.
Keller’s favorite part of being a baseball player is the lifelong connections and friendships he has made. As a catcher, he relishes the responsibility and excitement of the position.
“Being a catcher is exciting. You are in the game every single pitch and all the moments in between,” he explained.
This role has taught him valuable leadership and quick decision-making skills, which will undoubtedly serve him well in future endeavors.
Keller is eagerly anticipating his time at UT Knoxville, both for its academic and athletic opportunities. He matches his passion for engineering with his enthusiasm for the university’s sports culture. Growing up in a family that loves Tennessee sports, Keller has orange running through his veins. His grandfather (“Pop”) served on the UT Board of Trustees, and his mom, Jennifer Shadow, is an alumna who later served on the alumni council. His family’s involvement with UT Knoxville fills him with pride and excitement about becoming a Vol.
Community service has always been an important part of Keller’s life. He has actively participated in cleaning up his school campus, ensuring it looks its best for the new school year and visitors. He is committed to giving back to the Huntland community and its sports teams.
“Going forward, one of my goals is to give back to the Huntland community, school, and sports teams,” he said.
Keller’s role models include his coaches, who have taught him essential life skills, and his Pop, whom he describes as one of the smartest and most interesting people he knows. His Pop has imparted valuable lessons, from rescuing baby camels to identifying plants and communicating with strangers. These experiences have shaped Keller into the well-rounded individual he is today.
“I hope to be the kind of person he will always be proud of.”
Shadow beams with pride when discussing her youngest son’s achievements.
“Ever since Evan was a little boy, he has been very driven to excel in whatever task lay before him,” she said.
Shadow is particularly proud of Keller’s ability to maintain a 4.0 GPA while playing starting quarterback in football and catcher in baseball. He was named Mr. Huntland High School and Best Sense of Humor, reflecting his balanced personality and positive impact on his peers.
Shadow, who is close to completing her master’s in education, believes that the dedication of all three of her sons has inspired their entire family. His older brothers, Elijah and Eathan, have also achieved academic success, and the family’s support for each other has been unmatched.
Keller advises young people to “make good decisions, set a good example, never give up, stay true to yourself, and always be humble.”
For Keller, being a champion is about persevering through challenges, celebrating victories, and always striving to be a positive role model.
As Keller transitions to the next chapter of his life at UT Knoxville, he carries with him the lessons learned and the connections made in Huntland. Franklin County is indeed where champions are made. GN
