April 14, 2010
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Clair Watkins (Butler H.S.; Matthews, N.C.) has signed a National Letter of Intent to join the Commodore women’s basketball team and begin classes this fall, Vanderbilt Head Coach Melanie Balcomb announced Wednesday as the spring signing period opened.
Watkins becomes the fifth member of the Commodores’ incoming class, joining Kayci Ferriss (Smith County H.S.; Gordonsville, Tenn.), Christina Foggie (Lenape H.S.; Mount Laurel, N.J.), Tori Jarosz (Lakeland H.S.; Cortlandt Manor, N.Y.) and Jasmine Lister (Santiago H.S.; Corona, Calif.) to complete Vanderbilt’s Class of 2014.
“Clair is a perfect fit for our system. She has tremendous size and skill to go along with her athleticism” Balcomb said. “It is rare to sign a player of Clair’s caliber in the late period, and she will be the final piece to one of the best signing classes we have had at Vanderbilt.”
A 6-foot-4 post player, Watkins averaged 15.6 points and eight rebounds per game as a senior captain for 2010 4A state champion Butler. Watkins scored 1,281 points as a four-year starter for Coach Stephanie Butler’s Bulldogs, who were ranked in the nation’s Top 25 by MaxPreps.
Last summer, Watkins was selected to travel to Tokyo, Japan, as a member of the Candace Parker Aces, an adidas Grassroots Global travel team.
Watkins is a Top 25 prospect in the post, according to ESPN’s Hoopgurlz, and was a McDonald’s All-America nominee. In addition to her skills on the court, Watkins is a member of the National Honor Society and a two-time state champion in track & field (shot-put).
With the signing of Watkins, the Commodores continue to enhance their interior size. The 6-4 Watkins joins Ferriss (6-8) and Jarosz (6-2) as incoming post prospects, with 6-4 Stephanie Holzer still awaiting her debut after a preseason injury forced her to miss her freshman campaign.
Vanderbilt earned its 11th-straight berth to the NCAA Tournament last month, finishing in a tie for third place in the Southeastern Conference. In May, the Commodores will graduate four seniors from this year’s squad.
| Clair Watkins |
6-4, Post, Matthews, N.C., Butler High School | |||
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Watkins on Vanderbilt: |
