Creating a Place for Everyone
Daphne McCain Evans is committed to building a community where everyone can enjoy sports.
Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Ryan McGill
For Daphne McCain Evans, serving as the sports coordinator for the City of Jasper Parks and Recreation Department JPR) is a passion and a calling to create opportunities for every child who dreams of playing sports. Across nearly 30 years with the department, Daphne has remained committed to ensuring that all children in the community have access to sports, regardless of their skill level or financial situation.
The Sipsey native's love for sports began at an early age. She played basketball at Walker High School and grew up playing softball, following in the footsteps of her brother, who played baseball. "I started softball around third grade on a park and rec team in Sipsey," Daphne recalls. "Watching my brother motivated me, and I knew I wanted to be a part of sports too."
Her early involvement with sports taught her that success requires effort and dedication, even when the odds are stacked against you a dynamic that instilled the value of perseverance in her life.
"What drives me is knowing that I was never the best at the sports I played, but I loved playing them," Daphne explains. "I want to support kids who have that unyielding desire to play, just like I did. Parks and rec sports are for kids with any level of capability but the highest level of want to play, and we're going to provide that space for them."
Daphne's responsibilities at JPR are extensive. She oversees the player registration, team formation, scheduling, and coordination of coaches and officials. She also ensures that the programs run smoothly and inclusively. Serving children between the ages of 3 and 12, with some exceptions, JPR offers a wide range of sports, including soccer, volleyball, basketball, baseball, softball, and track. The department emphasizes providing every child with the opportunity to participate, regardless of their family's financial situation.
"We have a no-child-left-behind policy," Daphne says. "If a child wants to play, we will find a way for them to do so. The return on investment is immeasurable in terms of that child's happiness."
"My long-term goal is to continue making a place for everyone who desires to play a sport—not just kids but also through our adult and special needs programs," she explains. "I had a chance to change positions with the city, but it meant giving up a focus on sports, and I didn't want that. The good things that come from sports as a whole, not just playing, are rewarding."
Daphne believes that starting sports at a young age offers substantial social benefits, alongside essential life skills like teamwork and following directions. One of her most memorable moments as a coach highlights the impact of her belief in the power of encouragement. "One year, I was coaching boys' basketball, and we weren't having a great year," Daphne recalls. "But I made sure to let those boys know how much I believed in them at every chance I could. We lost a game, but by a smaller margin, and they were still ecstatic. That energy carried over to our first win of the season in the next game. The sparkles in their eyes and the smiles on their faces... that's why I'm here. Simply having someone that believed in them was everything to them.”
Beyond her work, Daphne is known for her positive attitude. "Everybody says I'm always smiling! I love my family, and I just love life," she laughs.
Married to her high school sweetheart, Kendrick, since 1991, Daphne and her husband have twin daughters, Kalen and Kalea, who attend Howard University in Washington, D.C., and a 10-year-old son, Keagan, a fifth grader at Maddox Intermediate. The family finds joy in each other's company and shares a love for sports.
As she looks ahead, Daphne remains devoted to fostering a love for sports in the hearts of Jasper's youth, leaving a legacy of encouragement and endless possibilities. 78