June 3, 2016
Video Tribute | Corbin Reflects on Passing of Everett
The following is a statement from Vanderbilt director of athletics David Williams on the passing of Donny Everett, a freshman pitcher from Clarksville, Tenn.
“We learned last night of the tragic death of Donny Everett, an outstanding young man who exemplified the best of our university. As you can imagine, the team, the athletic department and the university are trying to come to terms with this tragedy. His parents and loved ones are on our minds and in our prayers as we share in their grief.”
Head coach Tim Corbin met with the media on Friday night after the Commodores’ NCAA Regional game against Xavier was postponed by inclement weather. He are a few excerpts from Corbin’s press conference:
Describing Donny Everett:
“He was a fun-loving, Teddy Bear, real, mid-west American kid. His dad was in the military and his mom is just as sweet as she can be. And that was Donny (his mom’s personality). He was a positive life force. Quick with a smile, easy to be around, consistent every day. If our team is having fun somewhere, he’s in the middle of it. … He wants to be around his teammates, and the kids just love him.”
On how the team will move forward emotionally:
“We are going to celebrate him for a long period of time, and we are going to mourn him for a long period of time.”
On the decision to play Friday’s games:
“The field is a safe haven (for the players). We felt like to just get into some type of routine, and doing what they do, was the best thing we could do. We could have not played, but I am not sure that would have been a healthy thing for the kids.”
On the players’ approach as they prepared for Friday’s game:
“I am sure they were very much conflicted on how to act. To be that sad, and that grief-stricken, for such a long period of time, and then all the sudden to (think about getting) into a game where competition exists (is tough). Competition brings out real emotion, and I explained to the kids that those emotions are good. It’s ok to smile, it’s ok to laugh, it’s ok to celebrate with teammates if that happens. I was hoping that would help them in some way. And even though we didn’t play tonight, I think maybe it was helpful just being in the locker room together.”
On Everett’s potential:
“I felt like the young man had a chance to play professional baseball, at its highest level, for a long period of time. I believed that.”
