For Evan Gates, the University of Lynchburg quite literally helped him find his voice.
When he first arrived on campus as a distance runner recruit, he never expected to trade in racing spikes for a headset.
Four years later, Gates has become a familiar voice on the Lynchburg Hornets Sports Network, broadcasting dozens of games since joining.
For Gates, Lynchburg has always just been two turns down Highway 460 from his hometown of Roanoke.
“The Hill City is the home I never knew I needed, and this community’s love enveloped me from my first steps on campus,” said Gates.
Originally recruited by former cross country and track & field Coach Jake Reed for distance running, Gates quickly discovered his true passion in sports broadcasting. “Lynchburg gave me every opportunity to fly,” he said. “As one of the biggest sports fans you’ll ever meet, I felt compelled to latch onto this culture from the outset.”
When Coach Reed suggested he try LHSN during his first year at Lynchburg, it felt like a leap of faith for Gates to leave competitive distance running, which he had done for seven years at the point. However, it ended up being one of the best decisions of his life.
“This transition turned my life around by granting me the joy and passion for sports broadcasting, and ever since, I have remained steadfast in my pursuit of an announcing career,” Gates said.
Through that leap of faith, Gates discovered a confidence and belief in himself that extended far beyond broadcasting.
“I have never walked to class without offering someone a ‘hello’ or ‘good morning,’” he said. “As a smaller institution with tight-knit relationships, Lynchburg urges everyone to join together as one.”
Over his time at Lynchburg, he has learned that regardless of how busy life may get, enjoying the moments and the people around him are far more valuable than any assignment or task.
Gates, who is double majoring in journalism and public relations, with minors in creative writing and sports media, understands the importance of communication better than most.
“Communication is the key element to any job, relationship or project, and the skills I have learned as a broadcaster have also helped me grow as a son and a friend,” he noted. “In a technology-driven world, verbal storytelling remains important to ensure we retain the human element in broadcasting.”
Beyond the booth, Gates also runs social media for Lynchburg’s cross-country team.
“My communications professors have allowed me to become confident in my voice, and by instilling a strong work ethic in me, they have prepared me to speak to larger audiences with each passing year,” Gates said.
That same dedication to growth and authentic connections made him a natural fit to be nominated for the Sommerville Scholarship, one of the university’s highest honors.
“When I received the invitation to apply for the Sommerville Scholarship, I felt honored to share the distinction with such a strong group of people,” he said. “By applying and being named as a finalist, I have felt inspired to continue working hard as I meet other people who share my vision for a connected community.”
“Winning the scholarship would be my love letter to the folks who have poured their countless hours and energy into making me the man I am today,” Gates added. “My parents, professors, bosses, housemates, peers, coaches and so on, all deserve praise for believing in me.”
He credits his professors, former distance coach Jake Reed, Lynchburg Athletic Director Jon Waters and poetry editors Jer Bryant and Kelly Ann Jacobson for their guidance and encouragement throughout his journey.
After graduation, Gates plans to continue down the path of sports announcing, building on the foundation he’s created at Lynchburg.
“I plan to continue pursuing positions in sports announcing, and Lynchburg has confirmed my love for college sports,” he said. “Sports will always hold a core piece of my heart, much like Lynchburg, and I hope to continue shining my personality to the world.”
Outside of academics and broadcasting, Gates’ love for sports runs deep.
“Basketball is my favorite sport,” he said, recalling setting up a mini basketball court in his hallway as a kindergartner and pretending to announce the game as both teams.
“While it’s a distant memory, I’m a believer that my dream began on Coyner Springs Road,” he said. “Ever since, I’ve loved sports announcing, visited as many new sports venues as possible and dreamed of one day appearing on television.”
For Gates, Lynchburg will always hold a special place in his heart.
“Lynchburg helped me find my voice,” he said, “and I’m excited to keep using it wherever life takes me next.”
The Class of 2026 Richard Clarke Sommerville Scholarship Award will be given on November 17, 2025 at 4:00 pm in the Daura Museum of Art.
