With Veterans Day approaching on November 11, the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is proud to honor and celebrate the brave men and women who serve our country. This year, the AAU connected with eleven (11) veterans who are involved with the AAU today to reflect on how their experiences in AAU sports helped shape their futures. 

Today, all of these veterans hold a significant role in AAU relations as well. Many of them are coaches, chairmen or chairwomen, officials, and event organizers for AAU today.

For this edition, we honor AAU Diving's, Evelyn Rhynedance.

Evelyn Rhynedance is a wife, mother, AAU coach, and proud member of the U.S. Army. Her military career began in 2007 as an infantry officer before transitioning into special forces, where she served for eight years. For the past five years, she has worked at the U.S. Army Special Operations Command Headquarters, continuing her passion for serving her country while also caring for her children and the AAU athletes she coaches.

Rhynedance has been involved in the AAU since 2020 as a master diver and member of the Red Wolf Elite Diving Club in North Carolina.

“The leadership experiences from both the army and AAU are universally applicable,” Rhynedance says. "When I think about how I’ve led stressful situations in the military, a lot of it transfers over to the pool deck. I often use anecdotes from the pool in the army and vice versa.”

Rhynedance emphasizes the importance of showing up every day, regardless of the circumstances. Being a mom, coach, wife, athlete, and U.S. Army member, Rhynedance leads a busy life. None of these faze her because she prioritizes finding the joy in little things, finding something to look forward to, a lesson she strives to teach others.

“We put limitations on ourselves all the time when we really don’t have to. You would be surprised what you’re capable of if you just try,” says Rhynedance on advice for athletes or those interested in joining the military. “Whether it’s in the Army or in any sport, just get out there and try.”

Evelyn Rhynedance is a woman who exemplifies strength, compassion, and dedication. Through her continued service and coaching, she continues to be an inspiration to those around her. Showing the world that leadership extends in all aspects of her life, whether it be on the pool deck or on the field.

To watch Evelyn's story, click here.