El ganador se lo lleva todo: Sami Evans manda en el hielo y en la escuela online
By Stefanie Contreras
At ASU Prep Digital, students thrive in an accredited online school designed to fit their unique needs. With asynchronous online classes and a flexible schedule, student athletes like 6th grader Sami Evans can pursue both academic excellence and athletic success.
A flexible learning environment for student athletes
Samantha (Sami) Evans is a 6th-grade ASU Prep Digital student who loves learning on her own schedule. As a breakout ice hockey goalie with impressive stats under her belt, Sami is optimizing her education in a way few middle schoolers can.
“I love that I can say I go to ASU,” Sami said. “I am a proud Sun Devil! I love that my teachers and LSC are very supportive and kind.”
Sami describes herself as creative and always staying busy. Outside of school, she plays the piano, crafts almost every day, enjoys watching sports and hangs out with her friends. But her dedication on the ice sets her apart. This summer, she played for the Western Selects, earning two shutouts while playing up in age and receiving MVP/Player of the Game awards in Connecticut, Minnesota, Las Vegas and Colorado. Sami also dual-rosters locally with the Arizona Kachinas (girls AAA) and the Arizona Titans (boys AA).
“I love playing against new teams and traveling across the country,” she said. “I love being there with my teammates, having fun going to tournaments with my teams and spending time with each other. I really enjoy being challenged and working hard to level up every day.”
Balancing academics and athletics
Although Sami spends a lot of time honing her hockey skills, she knows the student part of “student-athlete” requires dedication. Online middle school at ASU Prep Digital gives her the flexibility to manage her time well, balancing both school and sports.
“It teaches me how to manage my school day and be responsible,” she said. “ASU fits in my schedule to spend time training on and off the ice while being able to go to school. It can be challenging to manage school while I’m traveling for hockey all the time. My teachers, parents and LSC help me stay organized and support me so I feel confident to do both.”
Sami’s parents, Donna and Drew, agree that ASU Prep Digital is a perfect fit for her learning style. “It is a great blend of live and independent work,” Donna said. “As working parents, we are able to support Sami without having to fully manage her learning on our own.”
Drew emphasizes the community and support at ASU Prep. “I love the sense of community, access to help when needed and the great teachers and support staff,” he said. “Part of the support Sami receives is knowing when to help her stay organized and when to lean on her Learning Success Coach (LSC).”
Tips for supporting student athletes in online learning
Drew shares three tips for parents and guardians to prepare student athletes in online school:
- Set a daily routine.
- Create a dedicated learning space free from distractions.
- Focus on encouragement rather than perfection.
“Because she is so busy, we know she performs her best in school when she is organized,” Donna added. “We use planners, calendars and lists for her school day, and we stay closely connected to her LSC and teachers. Our LSC Tara Ford has been very communicative and supportive.”
Sami’s LSC adds, “Sami is a dedicated student who always gives her very best in everything she does. She has shown an incredible ability to manage her time, keeping up with her schoolwork while balancing her hockey schedule. Her hard work, commitment and positive attitude make her a role model. I am so proud of Sami and grateful she is part of the ASU Prep Digital community!”
ASU Prep fits in my schedule to spend time training on and off the ice while being able to go to school.”
Advice for aspiring student athletes
Sami shares advice for other students considering online learning: “You should definitely consider ASU Prep Digital. The teachers and LSCs are so nice and supportive. We have live classes with our teachers, and it’s really fun. Nothing is guaranteed—you have to work hard and earn it!”
Looking ahead, Sami aspires to continue as a Sun Devil. “I would love to go to ASU and goaltend for their women’s hockey team or somewhere in Division 1,” she said. After that, she hopes to pursue a career in aerospace engineering.
“She is very driven and focused on her goals,” Drew said proudly. “My hope for her future is that she does whatever makes her happy.”
An online school built for bold goals and big dreams
Sami’s success shows what’s possible with ASU Prep Digital: a flexible, accredited online school designed for students who want to excel in the classroom and beyond. With supportive teachers, dedicated Learning Success Coaches and the ability to set a schedule that works, student athletes gain the confidence to balance academics, training and family life.
At ASU Prep Digital, students like Sami are preparing for what’s next, whether that’s high school, college or competing at the highest levels of their sport.
Programar una llamada with an advisor to see how ASU Prep Digital can help your student reach their goals.
