Benson remembers her biggest fan - her mom

Evelyn Benson is a sophomore reserve volleyball player for the Weatherford College Coyotes. She also has many memories of her mom, the late Traci McKinley, that she reflects on each day. 

"She was my role model every day, and I still do everything to honor her," Evelyn said. "My mom and I were best friends, so it has been hard not having that person to talk to." 

Traci, who was director of institutional assessment and quality enhancement planning at WC, passed away in early April after a battle with cancer. She was honored recently in a ceremony in which a granite stone was dedicated in her honor under a stately tree in the middle of campus. 

Evelyn said it is special to be able to walk by that stone and know her mother will be forever honored and remembered by others. 

"The ceremony was something special that my family and I will be forever grateful for. She left a major impact on the college, so having her name be a part of it means the world to our family."  

She said with a smile that some of her favorite times together with Traci involved "shopping and gossiping." 

"Me and my mom loved to share clothes and find new pieces for our perfect wardrobe," Evelyn said. 

In high school, Traci attended almost every home match as Evelyn was a standout player for the Weatherford Lady Kangaroos. She cheered her on in the stands as Evelyn helped the Lady Roos reach the playoffs each season she played, receiving Blocker of the Year honors as a junior and senior, along with being on the all-academic team each year. 

But when Evelyn started playing in college, Traci's health started to decline faster and made it more difficult for her to go places. However, Evelyn still knew she was watching. 

"She was always watching on the livestream, supporting in any way she could."  

Evelyn chose to play volleyball for Weatherford College for several reasons. It's one of the nation's best programs, it's close to home, and she has family connections, including her grandfather, Bob McKinley, one of the winningest college basketball coaches at any level leading the Lady Coyotes. 

"I am a very big family person and always believe family comes first. When my mom was diagnosed, I knew I needed to stay close to home and be there for her as much as I could," Evelyn said. "It's been so much fun being able to play the sport I love while watching Bob coach the sport he loves and making history with his career." 

Kailee May, head coach of the three-time conference champion WC volleyball team, said Evelyn has been a bright spot on her roster. 

"She makes everyone laugh and knows when the mood needs to be lightened," said May. "But she also comes to practice every day always giving 100 percent. We are lucky to have her as a leader and an exceptional teammate. I know Traci is so proud of Evelyn and who she is becoming." 

Evelyn started playing volleyball in the sixth grade, becoming competitive in the sport a year later. She also played basketball at a young age because of her family's history in the sport, but as a freshman at WHS she turned her focus strictly to volleyball. 

"I quit basketball my freshman year because one of the clubs I played at told me I had to choose between the two," she said, adding with a laugh, "You can bet Bob was upset when I chose volleyball over basketball." 

No doubt, though, that he's very proud of her and the WC volleyball team's success as the team contends for a national championship. 

"Our team is like no team I have ever played for. We have such a competitive drive on the team that I think will help us achieve our goals in the end," Evelyn said. "Coach May believes in us more than anyone, and that is very motivating for the whole team." 

Evelyn said this is her last season playing volleyball. She plans to enter the radiology program at Weatherford College. 

"I want to continue to stay close to home by my family and watch Bob achieve more of his dreams," she said. "I am not planning to play after this season, so I am trying to make the most of this season!" 

Her grandfather is glad she made the decision to stay. 

"I love to watch her play," said Coach McKinley. "It reminds me of watching her mother play."