Evan Massey ’74: Sharing Community Connections to Area Athletes, Knox History

Before he was the record-breaking head coach for the Galesburg High School girls basketball program, Evan Massey ’74 was a Knox College student-athlete playing for legendary coach Harley Knosher. Through his family, Massey came to Knox to study history and play basketball, with the goal of eventually teaching and coaching.

After a course in American studies, Massey switched his major from history to American studies, but not his professional goals. Massey remained in Galesburg after graduating from Knox, eventually becoming the Silver Streaks’ girls' head coach in 1978. After retiring with 1018 wins and honors, including being named the 2009 National Coach of the Year, Massey still surrounds himself with community, and especially athletics, writing regularly on his blog: https://masseybasketball.blogspot.com

What factors led you to attend Knox? 

My mother (Marjorie Evans ’34) and my brother (Mark ’71) had both attended Knox College. That was a major factor; I guess it was kind of the “family school.” Coach Harley Knosher had a huge impact on recruiting me to play basketball.

What was your intended course of study?

I went to Knox intending to become a teacher and coach. I thought I might be a history major. After taking American Studies: The 1930s, I went on to become an American studies major. At that time, the 1930s course brought a different professor from different departments each week to give a perspective on events of the 1930s. 

Were you involved in any extracurriculars at Knox?

I played basketball for four years. At that time, first-years were limited by the NCAA from playing varsity basketball. I had Coach Al Reilly as a first-year, and then Coach Harley Knosher for the three years of the varsity. 

Who were some of the major influences on you, whether it was a coach or a mentor?

The biggest influences I had at Knox were Harley Knosher and Dr. Rodney Davis, who was the Szold Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus of History and co-founder of The Lincoln Studies Center. Playing basketball for Coach Knosher was a life-changing experience. His ability to build a team, to motivate, and his ethics were a master class in organization and coaching. Dr. Davis was my advisor, and I had him for 4-5 classes. His passion for the subject, professionalism, and focus on details were inspirational. 

What is the most important lesson you learned that you try to pass on to students, players, and people in general?

The lesson I learned at Knox was the value of developing strong, positive relationships. Relationships are at the foundation of success in life.

You write a lot about the history of Galesburg athletics on your blog. What makes this such a great town for athletics?

In retirement, I enjoy writing about topics of local sports, local sports history, and basketball history. With the destruction of the local community newspapers in Illinois, I started out wanting to shine some light on Galesburg’s present athletes and to also keep some of the stories of the past alive. 

Published on April 07, 2026

- Scott Holland, Knox College Office of Communications