RVC Selects Darryl Watkins to lead Women's Basketball Program
Rock Valley College has selected a familiar face to lead its Women's Basketball program, in former RVC Athlete and Assistant Women's Basketball Coach Darryl Watkins. Watkins succeeds former head coach Taylor Ignoto, who left to pursue another coaching opportunity. RVC is coming off a 25-6 season and N4C Conference Championship.
"I am forever grateful for the opportunity that Mat Parker, Brad Pemberton, Janice Hawkins and RPS 205 have given me as my first opportunity to be a head coach" said Watkins. "Auburn has allowed me to grow in my profession and be prepared for this step. Being a collegiate head coach has been a dream of mine and having that opportunity to do that in my hometown, at a place that has such a rich tradition of winning at a high level, and an institution that has meant so much to me personally is surreal. Thank you President Jensen, Vice President Jim Ryan and Athletic Director Darin Monroe for entrusting in me to lead this great program. I cant wait to get to work in The Nest!"
Watkins spent five years as an Assistant Women's Basketball Coach for the Golden Eagles under legendary Coach Misty Opat. In five years, he was an integral part of the 2013, 2015 and 2017 National Championship teams and the 2014 National Runner-Up. He was heavily involved in the program's recruiting, player development, strength and conditioning, and game preparation. RVC was an impressive 138-24 over those five seasons.
"We are thrilled to welcome back Darryl Watkins to our staff here at RVC," said Athletic Director Darin Monroe. "Darryl has a genuine passion for Rock Valley, the city of Rockford, and the Women's Basketball scene in the Rockford area. He has been mentored by one of the best in Misty Opat and understands what it takes to be successful. He was an obvious choice to continue to build the brand that is RVC Women's Basketball."
Watkins is currently the Head Girls Basketball Coach and Student Athletic Coordinator at Auburn High School in Rockford, Illinois. In two seasons, Watkins saw huge improvements of his team after taking over a team that went 6-17 the year before his arrival, to 15-15 this past season. Watkins started the school's first official feeder system in "The Future Lady Knights" for Auburn High School District 3rd through 7th graders.
Watkins is also a 17u Head Coach for the AAU Midwest Wildcats basketball program. The Midwest Wildcats are now an UnderArmour Rise Circuit team. Watkins has assisted in the recruitment of numerous players who have went onto sign at NCAA D1, D2, D3, NAIA and Junior Colleges.
A Rockford native, Watkins graduated from hometown Auburn High School in 2007, and from Rock Valley College with his AA in 2009. He has also received his bachelor's from Rockford University in Physical Education in 2012, as well as his master's in Sports Administration from Chadron State College (NE) in 2016.
