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In the world of sports, success is often measured by wins, losses, and championships. But for Chris Eversley, a former Big West student-athlete, success is about more than just the scoreboard — it's about the lessons learned, the communities built, and the personal growth experienced along the way.
Eversley, who played men's basketball at Cal Poly, credits the time in The Big West for shaping him into the person he is today. Eversley describes the conference as a unique and special place, offering student-athletes the opportunity to grow and create meaningful experiences. As a power forward for the Mustangs, the All-Big West performer was a catalyst in the 2014 run to the 2014 Big West title and NCAA Tournament appearance.
"It's just awesome to come back 11 years later and be able to give kids advice from the future, as I like to say, and really try to empower them so that they can go on and do bigger things beyond campus," Eversley said.
As the featured speaker at recent in-person Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) meetings in June, Eversley was able to relate to the current Big West SAAC members and impart wisdom learned on the journey from Chicago to Cal Poly to changing the world around him.
Embracing the power of community
One of the most significant lessons Eversley learned during his time in The Big West was the importance of being part of a close-knit campus and town in San Luis Obispo, realizing the value of investing in others and building strong relationships.
"It really showed me the importance of community and how important it is to be intentional about inviting people into your circle and investing in them," Eversley shared.
As a student-athlete, Eversley understood that success is not achieved individually, embracing the old saying, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." This mindset became a cornerstone of Eversley's approach to life and future endeavors.
"It sets you up for long-term success because you have to realize that you can't do it alone, and you shouldn't do it alone," Eversley explained.
Adapting to the challenges of life
Being a student-athlete also taught Eversley the importance of adaptability and resilience, crediting the time in The Big West as preparation for the ups and downs of life.
"As athletes, we know that every day is going to be different. We have bad nights, bad games, and slumps — that's life," Eversley said.
Inspired by the experiences as a Division I student-athlete, Eversley founded a leadership development company with a sports-themed approach, Overtime Solutions. The understanding of the unpredictability of the game of life and relating it back to athletics gave Eversley the confidence to become an entrepreneur.
"Sports is one of the last few unifying things we have in terms of culture," Eversley explained. "I really just took my unique perspective and created something that is uniquely me, and I know can help people not only as athletes but as they go through those transitionary periods."
This perspective guides Eversley in the work to help guide emerging leaders navigating life's challenges and finding their own paths to success.
The three T's: transitions, tragedies, and triumphs
Eversley believes that life is a series of transitions, tragedies, and triumphs, emphasizing the importance of embracing these transitions and using them as opportunities for growth.
"You're going to go through so many transitions in your life. You're going to go through those tragedies, those transitions, and then hopefully your triumphs," Eversley shared.
"I want to instill in emerging leaders that each season should be different, and you should be aging like fine wine," Eversley said. "Over time, when you look back at your finished product, you can see the growth."
A framework for long-term success
For Eversley, the lessons learned as a Big West student-athlete continue to shape his life and career. Eversley sees the time spent in the conference as a foundation for long-term success, providing him with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in the real world.
"The Big West provided the proper framework for me to become who I am," Eversley explained. "Being a student-athlete really empowers you to do a lot because you learn that it's all about adaptability and going through various transitions in your life."
Eversley's journey from student-athlete to entrepreneur is a testament to the power of community, adaptability, and personal growth. Through his work with Overtime Solutions, Eversley is dedicated to helping others find their own paths to success and inspiring them to become better versions of themselves.
"It's all about investing in yourself and investing in others," Eversley said. "If you want to go far, go together."