Karis Watson was named the volunteer assistant for the Winthrop Volleyball program in July of 2022.
“I am really excited to have Karis Watson join our program,” interim head coach Heather Gearhart commented. “She and I competed against each other during our college careers in the ACC and ended up also competing against each other while we were in England. She has an electric personality that will keep our gym competitive and fun and will be able to provide a lot of high-level insight to our front row players. Karis is as humble and hardworking as they come so I feel fortunate to have someone of her caliber in our gym for our players to learn from. It is also special to have a Rock Hill native on staff who can provide a unique perspective of the growth of the town and represent her hometown university.”
Watson just finished her sixth professional volleyball season; most recently playing middle blocker for VC Kanti Schaffhausen in Schaffhausen, Switzerland in the Swiss League. Watson has also competed for VfB Suhl Lotto Thüringen out of Suhl, Germany; AVC Famalicão out of Famalicão, Portugal; Hylte/Halmstad out of Halmstad Sweden and Tendring VC Ladies out of Essex, UK.
During her professional career she has made three CEV cup appearances, earned Best middle-blocker in the Swedish League, Best spiker in the Swedish Cup, MVP for Tendring Ladies team in the English NVL, and made the end of season Dream Team during her time in Sweden. Watson has guided her teams to 2nd in the Swedish league and Swedish Cup, 2nd in the Portuguese Cup, 3rd in the German Cup, 1st in the Swiss Cup, 2nd in the Swiss Supercup, 3rd in the Swiss League and Top 5 in the UK.
“As a Rock Hill native, I grew up watching Winthrop volleyball matches and going to their camps,” Watson said. “After 16 years, I am extremely honored and excited to be a part of the program that helped kickstart my career. I look forward to working with the dedicated, driven, and hardworking student-athletes and coaching staff. I hope to help this already stellar program bring another successful season to Rock Hill!”
Prior to her professional career, Watson was a four-year member of the Clemson volleyball team from 2011-2014. During her time with the Tigers, Watson was an All-ACC selection and earned All-ACC academic honors twice. Watson ended her Clemson career averaging over 1.5 kills per set, a .275 hitting percentage, over 1.0 blocks per set, 320 total blocks, and just over 2.1 points per set.
Watson earned her bachelor’s degree in parks, recreation & tourism management from Clemson and a master’s degree in marketing management from the University of Essex in Essex, England. Watson is also a Rock Hill native and graduate of Rock Hill High School.
