Karis Watson

Personal: Watson served as a volunteer assistant coach for the Winthrop University volleyball team, sharing her knowledge and experience with the next generation of athletes. She holds a bachelor's degree in parks, recreation, and tourism management from Clemson University. Her academic pursuits further led her to attain a master's degree in marketing management from the University of Essex in Essex, England. In her family, athleticism runs deep, as her father, Ken, played football at Maryland. Watson is one of six children in her family, with each sibling leaving their own athletic mark. Her brother, Benjamin, played college football at Georgia before embarking on a professional career in the National Football League (NFL). Her sister, Jessica, competed on the track and field team at Coastal Carolina, adding to the family's impressive athletic pedigree. Another brother, Asa, was a football player at NC State, further cementing the family's connection to sports. Additionally, Watson has six nieces and six nephews, and her love for family shines through in her personal life. In recognizing those who have made a significant difference in her life, Watson acknowledges her high school coach, Cindy Elder, along with her parents and older siblings. Beyond sports, she has diverse interests and talents, having played the viola in middle and high school. Growing up, she also participated in gymnastics, soccer, and track and field, showcasing her versatility in various sports. When she's not on the volleyball court or contributing to her community, Watson enjoys indulging in her hobbies, which include drawing, traveling, and spending quality time with friends and family. Her international experiences also extend to her connection with current Athletes Unlimited Volleyball athlete Taylor Bruns Tegenrot, where they played together internationally and shared the special moment of Tegenrot's wedding, where Watson was a bridesmaid.

Other Professional Experience: Watson boasts a rich history, having played professionally since 2016. Her journey has taken her across borders, as she has represented six different teams in various countries. Most recently, she showcased her skills for SRD Saint-Dié-des-Vosges in France during the 2022-23 campaign. Prior to that, she spent two seasons with VC Kanti Schaffhausen in Switzerland. Watson's professional career has also seen her compete in Germany, Portugal, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, underscoring her versatility and adaptability as a player.

At Clemson: Watson was a four-year letter winner from 2011 to 2014, she appeared in 88 matches, demonstrating her commitment to the sport. Over the course of her college career, she saw action in 301 sets, including a career-high 119 sets during her senior season. Watson's contributions to the team extended to her impressive statistics, as she tallied 459 kills and recorded 320 total blocks with the Tigers. Her senior season was particularly noteworthy, as she achieved a .323 hitting percentage, amassing 236 kills over 32 matches. Her prowess on the court was evident as she tallied 10 or more kills in a match on seven occasions during the 2014 campaign, including a season-high 13 kills against Winthrop on September 6, 2014. Watson's impact on the team was consistent, as she started in 22 matches as a junior and posted nine double-digit kill performances. Notably, she established a career high with 16 kills against Winthrop on September 7, 2013. Her contributions as a sophomore included competing in 11 matches with one start, collecting 11 kills on 33 attempts and adding 17 total blocks. Even as a freshman, Watson showcased her potential by playing in 23 matches and notching 44 total blocks.