Welch signs with Arizona State

Evan Welch, a member of the White County High School track, cross country, and swim teams, has signed a letter of intent to be a part of the four-time defending national champion Arizona State triathlon team.

“I knew that this was something that I wanted to pursue as soon as they made this team five or six years ago,” Welch, who began running triathlons at the age of 9, said.

Welch knew triathlon was a relatively new sport for collegiate athletics when the Arizona State team was formed, but that didn’t deter her.

“I just knew that was where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do,” she said.

Welch recently finished her cross-country career with WCHS at the state meet, and she claims it is one of the memories that will stick with her for years to come.

“To be honest, that was my last cross country meet ever, because I am going to focus on triathlon going forward,” she said. “So, to have all of my friends and teammates and family there when I crossed the finish line was a pretty amazing feeling.”

Welch said  she will miss the teammates and coaches, including Mark Voyles (cross country), Brian Everett (track), and Ken Craig (swim), she has had at WCHS, all of which have pushed her to reach for new goals.

“It’s been a lot of fun, and I’ve had some great moments while being a White County High School athlete,” she said.

Welch will make her first visit to her new school this week as she tours what she said are some of the best training facilities in the country and meets with her new coaches.

“I’ve never been that far our West before,” she laughed. “But I’m so thankful to be given this opportunity to compete for [Arizona State]. It’s been my long-term dream, and I’ve worked every day to get here.”

Welch’s father, John, said his daughter’s commitment to her training and her ability to develop time-management skills are what has brought her to the point where she can compete collegiately.

“She’s worked extraordinarily hard, putting in the time and effort,” he said.  “The runs, the bikes, the swims. To see it pay off – that’s what you want to see as a parent.”

John Welch added that watching his daughter learn to manage her time to fit in all of her training, along with school responsibilities and still maintain time for friendships, has been “pretty amazing.”

“I was extremely proud when she signed that letter this morning,” John Welch said. “It’s her dream school. This is where she has always wanted to go, and to see her be able to fulfill that dream – that’s what every parent wants.”