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Draft:Christopher Noel Watkins

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Chris Watkins coaching in Provo Utah.

Christopher Noel Watkins (born 30 November 1968), commonly known as Chris Watkins, is an American soccer coach and former college and professional player.[1] Chris is currently the head coach of the Boston College Women's Soccer team.[2] In 2003, Chris became the only collegiate head coach in history to lead a university sponsored soccer program as they purchased a professional franchise.[3][4][5] BYU, under Coach Watkins, competed in the Premier Development League (now known as USL League Two) from 2003 to 2017 (Chris was the Head Coach from 2003–2016)[4][6][5]. At BYU, Chris also became the first, and only, collegiate coach to take a university sponsored program to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup; doing so in 2005, 2007, and 2015[3][5].

Chris, as a player, fit best as a forward and generally played as a classic number 9. He represented Drake University University and Brigham Young University at the collegiate level; then Flamengo SC and the Utah Blitzz at the professional level[2][3].

Personal life

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Chris is married to Karen Watkins (m. 1994). Together they have 3 children. Drake, Ethan, and Tanner[2][3].

Playing career

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College playing career

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Drake University
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In High School at Shawnee Mission South High School, Chris was selected as the Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year for Soccer[1], which in part led to him being recruited to play soccer at Drake University in Iowa. Chris maintained his status as an instinctive goal-scorer at Drake, breaking the school's single-season scoring record as a freshman.[7] After a successful single season, Chris transferred to BYU.

Brigham Young University (BYU)
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After transferring to BYU on the back of his record-breaking season at Drake University, Chris only played a single season at BYU.[8] At BYU Chris was a starting forward for the team; however, a lack of good record keeping has limited statistics available for a full assessment of that season.

Professional playing career

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Flamengo SC (Sandy, UT)

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After a single season at BYU, Chris was left seeking a more exciting challenge. He remained as a student at BYU, but chose to play for the semi-professional, Salt Lake City based, Flamengo SC [pt] team from 1992 to 1995.[9] Chris generally started as Flamengo's striker for those four seasons[9].

During his time at Flamengo, the team qualified for and played in the 1992 and 1995 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. In both editions, Flamengo finished their campaign in the Regional Semi-final round. In 1995. After 1995, the club closed, and Chris was hired as the head coach of the BYU Men's Soccer team[9].

Utah Blitzz

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In 2002, while coaching both the Men's and Women's teams at BYU,[9] the Utah Blitzz, approached Chris about signing with the team for the 02/03 season.[10] The Blitzz offered Chris a contract that would allow him to play for the team, while also excusing him from certain duties so Chris could properly fulfil his duties as a coach.

During Chris' single season with the Blitzz, he averaged a goal every two games. Among the goals he scored was the "Golden-Goal" to win the Western Conference Championship for the Blitzz.[11] The BIitzz's opponent in that final was the San Diego Gauchos,[12] who boasted a certain Herculez Gomez, who would go on to make 24 Caps for the United States Men's National Team.[13]

Coaching career

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BYU Men's Soccer

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Chris coached the BYU men's soccer team for 21 years from 1995-2015, as had coach he led the team to a combined record of 304-103-75[5][9]. Under Chris, BYU dominated the Collegiate Club Soccer Championships for a decade, winning the National Championship in 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2001. During that period, BYU went on an unprecedented and record-breaking run of 30 straight victories at the Club National Championships[9].

Chris initiated and drove BYU's decision to switch from collegiate club to semi-pro status in 2003[9][2]. BYU purchased a Premier Development League franchise, becoming the first university sponsored soccer program to ever acquire a franchise that competes at a level considered higher than NCAA soccer[3][9][2]. BYU, under Chris, competed in the USL Premier Development League (PDL) where it reached the PDL quarterfinals twice, and won the 2007 PDL Northwest Division League Championship.[14] Under Watkins, the Cougars are the only university to participate in the U.S. Open Cup which they have done three times[5][14].

Chris' BYU team organized games against professional teams at home, and also represented the university by traveling internationally to Spain, Holland, Mexico, Costa Rica, Chile and Fiji where they would both play professional teams and participate in service opportunites.[15][16]

At home, Chris coached the Cougars in matches against the England Championship League side Coventry City F.C. (in 2006),[17][18] the Fiji national football team (in 2007)[18],[19] the Mexico U-21 National team (2010),[20] and multiple times against Real Salt Lake.[21]

Internationally, Chris coached BYU in 2001 as they played six games in Spain and Holland, winning four, tying one and losing one, against Vallecas CF, FC Sittard, Minor Nuth, and the B teams from Rayo Vallecano and FC Barcelona[15]. Other notable professional clubs Chris coached against include Club América, C.F. Pachuca, and the reserves of Cruz Azul in 2002[16]; and Fijian clubs Ba FA, s and the Fiji national football team U-21 National Side.[22]

Chris departed the BYU Men's Soccer program to focus his attention on the Women's program in 2016 after accepting the role of associate head coach[5][9].

BYU Women's Soccer

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Chris was hired to the Women's in 1996 as an assistant coach to then (and current) head coach Jennifer Rockwood.[9] This, just a year after he began as the head coach of the Men's team[2][9]. For 20 years he coached both programs at BYU[9][5][9]. Chris was hired by BYU because they were award he brought impressive credentials, both professional and collegiate, to a young but talented Women's Cougar squad[3].

As a BYU assistant coach, Watkins helped the Cougars to 17 trips to the NCAA Tournament, earning a No. 1 seed in 2012 -- the program's highest seed ever[3][5].

In 2013, Chris was promoted to associate head coach and helped guide the Cougars to a Top-5 national ranking in 2013 and 2017. After being promoted to associate head coach, BYU has amassed a record of 47-11-6, and BYU appeared in five straight NCAA Tournaments and won five consecutive West Coast Conference titles[9][3].

During his full time with the BYU women, the Cougars claimed a total of 13 conference championships, made the NCAA Tournament 18 times, including two appearances in the Elite Eight and five in the Sweet 16. BYU has finished in the national Top 25 17 times and boasted a 343-90-36 record since 1996. The Cougars had 21 NSCAA All-Americans and seven Academic All-Americans while Chris was a member of the coaching staff[9].[23]

Gonzaga Women's Soccer

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Watkins was named head coach of Gonzaga women's soccer in December 2016 and In his first season, the Zags won 10 games for the first time since 2007[23]. Only the sixth time in program history that GU reached double-digit wins a season[23]. The Bulldogs had the best start to a season in program history and broke several team records, among the records broken were: Gonzaga scored the most goals (39), made the most assists (30), totalled the most points (108) and took the most shots (312) in a single season in program history in 2017[23].

In the 2018 season, Watkins became the fastest head coach to reach 20 wins in program history[23].

In 2019, the Zags posted another 39 goals and took the most shots (314) in a single season in program history[23]. The Zags posted their third-straight double-digit win season with a program-record tying 12 victories, the most wins by the Bulldogs since 2005, and collected a program-tying five WCC wins for the second straight season[2][23]. The Zags also made a splash nationally as they received votes for the NCAA Top-25 poll first time since 2005 in addition to a program-best No. 3 ranking in the United Soccer Coaches' West Region Poll[2][23].

In his fourth season at GU, he received the WCC Co-Coach of the Year award[24] after an impressive 5-2-1 WCC record, 15 total wins, and a third place finish in the WCC[23]. It was the first time since 2005 that the Zags finished top-three in the WCC, and second time in program history[23]. After a successful season and bringing in WCC honors, Watkins and his staff were named the West Region Staff of the Year by the United Soccer Coaches College Services program.[25]

Watkins again led the Zags to the best season in program history in his 5th season. Tying the program record 15 wins he had previously set, Gonzaga only registered five total losses that season, while also registering five conference wins for the fourth straight season[2][23]. The Zags' offense reached a new peak under Watkins, breaking a majority of the club's previous records, many of which were already set under his tenure, including total goals (47), total assists (39), total points (131), total shots (387), goals per game (2.35), and shutouts (12)[2][23]. The program also reached its highest ranking in history coming in at 16th in the National Poll. Watkins broke 50 career wins during the season[23].

In the 2022 season, the Zags matched their best WCC finish in program history and reached 10 wins in a season for the 10th time[23]. It was the fifth time in six seasons the Zags had won 10 matches in a season, the sole exception being the shortened COVID-season in the spring of 2021[2][23]. It was the best conference finish by winning percentage in program history[2][23].

Chris' final season at Gonzaga was the 2023 season. That season, his No. 19 Gonzaga claimed the program's first-ever West Coast Conference title.[26] The Zags (13-3-2, 6-1-1 West Coast Conference) earned the league's automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament[26]. The program's second ever trip to the NCAA Tournament and the first since 2005[26]. That season, the Zags set new single season scoring (56), assist (44), and point total (156) program records[23][26]. Gonzaga under Chris, won six conference games in a season for the first time in program history[26], and the side's 14 victories, including their first-round NCAA Tournament win[26], was the second-most behind 2021's 15 wins[23]. The success of the 2023 season led to Chris being named the WCC Coach of the Year for the second time,[27][28] and he and his staff were named the West Region staff of year by the United Soccer Coaches College Services for the second time.[29]

Boston College Women's Soccer

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At the start of 2024, Chris left Gonzaga for Boston College[2].[30][31] Midway through his first season (2024) Chris had already led the program to its most wins since 2018.[32]

Honours

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Playing career

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Personal

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  • Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year (Soccer)[1]
  • Drake University Single Season Goalscoring Record (Formerly)[7]

Team

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  • 2002 D3 Pro League: Western Conference Championship (Utah Blitzz)[1][11]

Coaching career

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Personal

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  • 2020 WCC Co-Coach of the Year[24]
  • 2020 United Soccer Coaches West Region: Staff of the Year[25]
  • 2023 WCC Coach of the Year[27][28]
  • 2023 United Soccer Coaches West Region: Staff of the Year[29]

Team

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BYU Men (Club)
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  • 1996 National Champions[3]
  • 1997 National Champions[3]
  • 1998 National Champions[3]
  • 1999 National Champions[3]
  • 2001 National Champions[3]
BYU Men (USL PDL)
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  • 2007 PDL Northwest Division League Championship[14]
BYU Women
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Tournament Championships
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  • 1996 Western Athletic Conference Tournament Champions[33]
  • 1999 Mountain West Conference Tournament Champions[33]
  • 2000 Mountain West Conference Tournament Champions[33]
  • 2001 Mountain West Conference Tournament Champions[33]
  • 2002 Mountain West Conference Tournament Champions[33]
  • 2007 Mountain West Conference Tournament Champions[33]
  • 2008 Mountain West Conference Tournament Champions[33]
  • 2010 Mountain West Conference Tournament Champions[33]
Conference Championships
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  • 1999 Mountain West Conference Champions[33]
  • 2000 Mountain West Conference Champions[33]
  • 2001 Mountain West Conference Champions[33]
  • 2002 Mountain West Conference Champions[33]
  • 2008 Mountain West Conference Champions[33]
  • 2009 Mountain West Conference Champions[33]
  • 2012 West Coast Conference Champions[33]
  • 2013 West Coast Conference Champions[33]
  • 2014 West Coast Conference Champions[33]
  • 2015 West Coast Conference Champions[33]
  • 2016 West Coast Conference Champions[33]
Gonzaga Women
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  • 2023 West Coast Conference Champions[26]
Boston College Women
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  • N/A

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Writer, Brittney Bulawa | Sports (2017-08-09). "Former pro tapped to coach women's soccer". The Gonzaga Bulletin. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Chris Watkins - Head Coach - Staff Directory". Boston College Athletics. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Official Website of BYU Athletics". BYU Athletics - Official Athletics Website - BYU Cougars. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  4. ^ a b "Men's Soccer Runs with a New Crowd - Y Magazine". magazine.byu.edu. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h "Chris Watkins resigns as BYU men's soccer head coach after 21 years". Deseret News. 2015-08-07. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  6. ^ "Big changes coming for BYU men's soccer program". BYU Daily Universe. 2017-09-15. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  7. ^ a b "Men's Soccer Records (PDF)" (PDF). Drake University Athletics. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  8. ^ "Men's soccer team to play against team alumni". BYU Daily Universe. 1999-09-09. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "Chris Watkins Staff Bio". BYU Cougars. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  10. ^ "Blitzz look to get 2 from California". Deseret News. 2002-06-07. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  11. ^ a b "Watkins propels Blitzz in OT". Deseret News. 2002-08-11. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  12. ^ "April 25, 2003 San Diego Gauchos 1 - 2 Utah Blitzz | SoccerStats.us". soccerstats.us. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  13. ^ "Herculez Gomez on MLS vs. Liga MX, how Mexico will fare at the World Cup, and the path he took". Soccer America. 2018-06-07. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  14. ^ a b c "BYU's decades of soccer dominance | College Soccer". TopDrawerSoccer.com. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  15. ^ a b "Ultimate goal goes beyond soccer". Deseret News. 2008-06-26. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  16. ^ a b "Trip to Mexico a success". BYU Daily Universe. 2003-05-20. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  17. ^ "BYU, Coventry City quotes". BYU Daily Universe. 2006-07-12. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  18. ^ a b "Becoming pro-ficient". Deseret News. 2007-06-14. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  19. ^ "Man-down Cougars defeat Fiji". Deseret News. 2007-04-14. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  20. ^ "BYU soccer to face Mexican U21 team". Deseret News. 2010-05-12. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  21. ^ rsl. "RSL Exhibition Match v BYU | Real Salt Lake". rsl. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  22. ^ fijivillage. "BYU Side Registers First Win". www.fijivillage.com. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  23. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r "Chris Watkins - Women's Soccer Coach". Gonzaga University Athletics. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  24. ^ a b "Watkins Named WCC Co-Coach of the Year". Gonzaga University Athletics. 2021-04-23. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  25. ^ a b Coaches, United Soccer. "2020-21 NCAA Regional Staffs of the Year Announced | United Soccer Coaches". Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  26. ^ a b c d e f g "No. 19 Women's Soccer Wins First-Ever WCC Title; Headed to NCAA Tournament". Gonzaga University Athletics. 2023-11-04. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  27. ^ a b "WCC Announces 2023 Women's Soccer Honors". wccsports.com. 2023-11-08. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  28. ^ a b "Watkins Named WCC Coach of the Year". Gonzaga University Athletics. 2023-11-08. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  29. ^ a b Coaches, United Soccer. "2023 NCAA Region Staffs of the Year Announced | United Soccer Coaches". Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  30. ^ "Boston College Names Chris Watkins Head Women's Soccer Coach". Boston College Athletics. 2023-12-14. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  31. ^ Evans, Luke (2023-12-15). "Chris Watkins Hired as Next BC Women's Soccer Coach". The Heights. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  32. ^ "2024 Women's Soccer Schedule". Boston College Athletics. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
  33. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s "Women's Soccer Conference History". BYU Athletics - Official Athletics Website - BYU Cougars. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
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