March 31, 2026
Umatilla Baller Evelyn Purdy is Focused on Fundamentals and High-Flying Future
By Gina Horan
Umatilla Baller Evelyn Purdy is Focused on Fundamentals and High-Flying Future
Evelyn Purdy
Classes that stretched my knowledge: AICE Global Perspectives and AICE European History challenged me the most and ended up being the most rewarding. Both classes required a lot of discipline, research and critical thinking. They pushed me to look beyond right and wrong answers and really analyze information from multiple perspectives.
The assist that mattered most: My teachers Mrs. Weber had a huge impact on how I think and learn. She taught me how to separate personal opinions from research and evaluate information based on accuracy and reliability.
Balancing act: Being a student/athlete taught me how to manage my time and stay focused. Academics always come first, and my basketball coach, Cameron Ware, strongly supports that. If we needed tutoring, help with assignments or time for school commitments, he made sure we had it.
Basketball taught me: Discipline and consistency. I wasn’t naturally great when I started, but I showed up every day, put in the work and trusted the process. That same mindset applies to academics and life. Effort matters.
Pushing through the hard days: On days when motivation is low, I rely on discipline and routine. I remind myself of my long-term goals and trust that the work I’m putting in will pay off.
Fun Fact: My twin brother Hayden will attend Embry-Riddle as well.
Future Plans: I plan to study astronomy and astrophysics at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The school’s strong STEM focus and academic culture align perfectly with my goals, and seeing my older brother thrive there made it feel like the right fit.
Home Court Advantage: My parents have always been my biggest supporters. They show up to every game, help me stay focused and remind me to believe in myself, even when things feel overwhelming.
Words to live by: Motivation comes and goes, but discipline is what carries you forward. Show up, give your best effort and trust the process.
Photos: Nicole Hamel
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Gina moved to Central Florida in August 2021 from the San Francisco Bay Area. She has a degree in linguistics and worked as a fashion editor, photo stylist lifestyle columnist and food writer for the Knight Ridder Newspaper Group. She also covered and photographed music festivals, fashion shows and sports throughout Northern California. In 2000, she joined KSAN radio as a morning show co-host and produced the news and sports content there for four years. She later covered travel, events and the restaurant scene for KRON-Bay TV. A veteran bartender, Gina has worked in hospitality on and off since high school. She has been with Akers Media since 2022 and hosts the Healthy Living Central Florida podcast. Her passions include travel, road trips, baseball, history books and podcasts, tasting menus and arriving in a new city without a map or guidebook.
