The Bilingual Reporter program is designed to encourage Hispanic youth to be proud of their heritage and language. Students are nominated by their teachers and then apply to have the opportunity to interview a Timbers player or a member of the coaching staff. Following the interview, the selected students are required to write a report about the experience in English and Spanish. With a professional interview, the students are able to further develop their bilingual speaking and writing skills while exhibiting a passion for the sport.
Presented by Providence Health & Services—Oregon, Don Pancho Authentic Mexican Foods and Coca-Cola
Q & A with Portland Native Steven Evans
Written by Everardo Martinez, Centennial High School
Like most players, Steven Evans was once a young man hoping to make it to a professional team. This past week I was able to have a talk with him. I asked him a few questions, but not only did I interview him I was also able to have a tour of the stadium, estrellaTV and watch the Timbers practice.
At the practice facility, I met with their staff and they gave me a rundown of the day. Then I went and met up with the other Bilingual Reporters to watch practice. The wait was very exciting. While we waited, we were sent to the other side of the field where we got to talk on camera and say our names and school. I’ve got to say, talking into a camera gets you very nervous. Finally, the players came out to start their practice with some warm ups. When the actual training started, everyone was very on point with what they were doing and doing it right. Practice ran for about one to two hours. Seeing how everyone prepared for a game was a great experience. Also, what we see on TV, them working together, is all due to their hard work at every practice.
Practice and tours were all great, but having the chance to actually talk and interview a player was amazing. I had the chance to talk with Steven Evans. He is a great guy. Steven Evans is a home grown player. At a young age he played club soccer. When he began high school, he attended Barlow high school his freshman year and played on his high school team. After his freshman year, he moved to Central Catholic high school where he finished his high school career. He played his last three years with the high school soccer team. I asked him who was the one team he did not want to lose he said “Barlow was a no-lose game just because he had attend it before.” I also asked him, “Who was the hardest team in conference?” He said, “Centennial always gave them a hard fight.” When he was growing up, he did not just play soccer but he also played basketball and he wrestled. I asked him how he left when he was called to the U.S. U-20 national team. He said it was a great feeling. Something that he said to those wanting to play professional is that “Always stay true to yourself. Keep pushing yourself to do better and don’t get frustrated when things are not working out.”
