Rock Valley College Athletics

Rock Valley College has selected Kevan Watkins as its next Head Women's Soccer coach. Watkins has more than 22 years of coaching soccer across all levels of the collegiate game, ODP, high school, and club soccer. 

Watkins spent the last three seasons as an Assistant Coach at NCAA DIII Berry College. He also served as the Head Staff Coach with Alabama Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program since 2013 working with both girls and boys programs. Watkins helped develop players for the state of Alabama and Region III which identified two players for the youth National Team Pool and 28 players selected for the Region III Team in their respective age groups. Watkins has an extensive history in men's and women's soccer. He was the assistant men's soccer coach from 2004-2005 and in the Spring of 2011 at NCAA DI Stetson University. Watkins then worked as an assistant women's coach at Shorter University helping them transition from NAIA to NCAA DII. Program highlights include transitioning from NAIA (Southern States Athletic Conference) to NCAA Division II (Gulf South Conference). During this time helping the program to a historic record of 14-9 in first eligible season in NCAA DII. Coaching an NCAA DII and NCCAA 2nd team All American. NCCAA Region Champions and entrance to the National Tournament. 7 Players named CoSIDA Academic All District and 3 All Conference 1st Team. From 2018 to 2021 Watkins assisted with the NCAA DIII Berry College Men's Soccer program, which finished the 2019 season with a 9-8-2 record, and qualified for the SAC Tournament Semifinal. The season concluded with the following awards; 1 Division III All Region Second Team Selection, 1 Southern Athletic Association First Team selection and Conference Offensive Player of the Year, 2 Southern Athletic Conference Second Team Selections, 1 Southern Athletic Association Sportsmanship Team Selection, and 11 Southern Athletic Association Academic Honor Roll. The 2018 season saw the program finish with a record of 10-5-2. 5 All – Southern Athletic Association Conference selections. 1 Google Cloud Academic All – District Team selection. 

"I would like to thank Athletic Director Darin Monroe, President Dr. Spearman, and the search committee for trusting me with the opportunity to become the 2^nd women's soccer coach in Rock Valley College history. Soccer has always been a big part of my life and an aspect that I am passionate about. It has always held a special place in my heart, as it is the one thing that allowed me to instantly become part of a community no matter where I live."  Stated Kevan Watkins. 

"I would like to welcome Kevan Watkins, wife Melja, and children Kallia and Kayden to the Rock Valley College family" Athletic Director Darin Monroe said. "Kevan brings a wealth of experience to our Women's Soccer program having served in many capacities at all levels of college soccer. Kevan also has experience as a College Psychology Instructor, which will be extremely beneficial as we continue to move our department forward in a positive direction.  The future of our Women's Soccer program is very bright under Coach Watkins." 

Watkins also played the game at a high level competing in the Premier Development League, for Cocoa Expos, 2001 – 2004. In 2001 the Expos reached the Eastern Conference Final 2001 (Finalist) / Southeast Region Champions 2001. Exhibition games vs. MLS Tampa Bay Mutiny, MLS Miami Fusion, Haitian National Team, multiple USA U17 National Teams. Watkins also played NCAA Division I Men's Soccer at Stetson University, 1997 – 2001. He was 4-year starter and letter winner. 3- time qualifier for the Trans Athletic Conference Tournament. He recorded 20 Career Points (Assists and Goals).