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Watkins Joins Duke Program as Assistant Coach
7/5/2022 3:45:00 PM | Softball
DURHAM – Duke softball head coach Marissa Young has added another member to her staff Tuesday, after announcing the hiring of Olivia Watkins as an assistant coach.
Watkins will coach the defense and slappers, while overseeing baserunning and the short game.
"I am excited to add the passion and expertise Olivia brings to our coaching staff," said Young. "Olivia's coaching experience and success as both a collegiate and professional player allows her to connect with her players in a very special way. She shares our program's passion for success by developing confident and successful women, while empowering them to reach their goals on and off the field. Olivia's experience in the ACC, work ethic and strong recruiting connections will have an immediate impact on our program."
Watkins comes to Durham after a three-year stint as an assistant coach at Boston College, where she worked on the defense, baserunning and slap-hitting.
"I am overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to join the Duke softball program," said Watkins. "I'm eager to help continue to grow the traditions and success that the Duke softball program has and will achieve. I am honored and can't wait to get to work."
Under Watkins' guidance, the Eagles saw improvement during each of her three seasons in Chestnut Hill. Watkins was particularly impactful with the development of All-ACC outfielder Ellie Mataya, who batted over .350 in back-to-back seasons. The Eagles became an active team on the basepaths, improving their numbers from 11 stolen bases in the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season, to 21 in 2021 and 40 in 2022.
Prior to her time at Boston College, Watkins spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Dartmouth College, where she coached hitting, baserunning and infield defense. During her time with the Big Green, Dartmouth took home a share of the Ivy League title in 2018.
Watkins began her coaching career as a volunteer assistant coach at the University of Illinois for two seasons (2016-17).
Watkins has been active in promoting diversity initiatives, serving as a member of the Boston College Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. For her efforts, Watkins was awarded the 2021 NFCA Natasha Watley Scholarship for Social Change, which is awarded to a Black coach who has created educational or athletic opportunities for their community, has removed and overcome obstacles through social change, or has opened doors for growing the game of fastpitch for Black girls or women.
A 2015 graduate of Western Kentucky University with a degree in interdisciplinary studies and a concentration in science, Watkins had a standout softball career as a Hilltopper. A two-time NFCA All-Region and All-Sun Belt first team honoree, Watkins graduated as the program's all-time leader in batting average (.380) and stolen bases (117).
Watkins also spent time in professional softball, as the first Western Kentucky alumni to sign with National Pro Fastpitch (NPF). Watkins played for the Akron Racers, Pennsylvania Rebellion and Houston Scrap Yard Dawgs.
To stay up to date with Blue Devils softball, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeSOFTBALL".
#GoDuke
Watkins will coach the defense and slappers, while overseeing baserunning and the short game.
"I am excited to add the passion and expertise Olivia brings to our coaching staff," said Young. "Olivia's coaching experience and success as both a collegiate and professional player allows her to connect with her players in a very special way. She shares our program's passion for success by developing confident and successful women, while empowering them to reach their goals on and off the field. Olivia's experience in the ACC, work ethic and strong recruiting connections will have an immediate impact on our program."
Watkins comes to Durham after a three-year stint as an assistant coach at Boston College, where she worked on the defense, baserunning and slap-hitting.
"I am overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to join the Duke softball program," said Watkins. "I'm eager to help continue to grow the traditions and success that the Duke softball program has and will achieve. I am honored and can't wait to get to work."
Under Watkins' guidance, the Eagles saw improvement during each of her three seasons in Chestnut Hill. Watkins was particularly impactful with the development of All-ACC outfielder Ellie Mataya, who batted over .350 in back-to-back seasons. The Eagles became an active team on the basepaths, improving their numbers from 11 stolen bases in the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season, to 21 in 2021 and 40 in 2022.
Prior to her time at Boston College, Watkins spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Dartmouth College, where she coached hitting, baserunning and infield defense. During her time with the Big Green, Dartmouth took home a share of the Ivy League title in 2018.
Watkins began her coaching career as a volunteer assistant coach at the University of Illinois for two seasons (2016-17).
Watkins has been active in promoting diversity initiatives, serving as a member of the Boston College Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. For her efforts, Watkins was awarded the 2021 NFCA Natasha Watley Scholarship for Social Change, which is awarded to a Black coach who has created educational or athletic opportunities for their community, has removed and overcome obstacles through social change, or has opened doors for growing the game of fastpitch for Black girls or women.
A 2015 graduate of Western Kentucky University with a degree in interdisciplinary studies and a concentration in science, Watkins had a standout softball career as a Hilltopper. A two-time NFCA All-Region and All-Sun Belt first team honoree, Watkins graduated as the program's all-time leader in batting average (.380) and stolen bases (117).
Watkins also spent time in professional softball, as the first Western Kentucky alumni to sign with National Pro Fastpitch (NPF). Watkins played for the Akron Racers, Pennsylvania Rebellion and Houston Scrap Yard Dawgs.
To stay up to date with Blue Devils softball, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeSOFTBALL".
#GoDuke
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