Oct. 19, 2010
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball Coach Melanie Balcomb announced on Tuesday that freshman forward Clair Watkins will miss the 2010-11 season due to a season-ending knee injury.
“I feel bad for Clair, who was making outstanding progress and was going to contribute to our program this season,” Balcomb said. “We understand that injuries are a part of basketball, and we will continue to move forward as we prepare for the season. Clair has a strong work ethic, and we know Clair will work hard to rehab this injury and will return stronger than before.”
A native of Matthews, N.C., the 6-foot-4 Watkins was the last member of Vanderbilt’s freshman class to sign with the Commodores. Watkins captained Butler High School to the 2010 4A State Championship, while averaging 14 points and nine rebounds as a senior.
This is the second time in as many years that a Commodore has suffered a season-ending injury in the preseason. Before practice began last season, the team lost freshman center Stephanie Holzer to a season-ending injury. Holzer has since returned and is 100 percent heading into the season. Watkins’ injury occurred in the first practice of the season.
The Commodores open the season Nov. 4 when they host Delta State in an exhibition game.
