An Auburn High School alumnus and college-level coach
will lead the Auburn girls basketball team in the 2017 season. Darryl Watkins,
a 2007 Auburn graduate, spent the past five seasons working as Assistant
Women’s Basketball Coach and Recruiting Coordinator for the Rock Valley College
Golden Eagles. He’ll take over as Auburn’s head varsity coach for the girls
team this fall, pending Rockford School Board approval. Watkins helped lead the
Rock Valley College women to three NCJAA National Champions and has helped
develop seven All Americans. The Golden Eagles’ record with Watkins as
Assistant Coach is an impressive 138-24. His skills in working with Rock Valley
College student athletes will transfer well to Auburn. Watkins worked in
strength and conditioning, game scheduling and working with students on
academic progress and success. Watkins will also work at Auburn full time as a
Building Support Specialist, pending board approval.
It’s also a chance for Watkins to come home. He played for longtime Auburn boys
basketball Coach Bryan Ott and has seen that program flourish. He’s excited
about Auburn’s momentum, with successful boys basketball and football programs.
He’s looking forward to leading a similar turnaround for the girls basketball
program and changing the culture. “That’s one of the main reasons I wanted to
go back,” he said. “I want to give the Auburn community something else to rally
behind, be proud of and cheer for.” Auburn finished the season 5-11 in
conference play and 6-22 overall.
Watkins graduated from Rock Valley
College in 2009 and received his bachelor’s degree from Rockford University in
physical education in 2012. He received his master’s degree in sports
administration from Chadron State College in 2016 and played semi-professional
basketball for the Rockford Riverdawgs of the Independent Basketball
Association.
“We strive to recruit the best coaches and find the right fit to lead
our programs,” said Mat Parker, RPS 205 Director of Athletics, Activities and
Program Development. “Our goal is to provide students with a phenomenal
experience and prepare them for the future as both students and athletes. Coach
Watkins is extremely qualified, has terrific rapport with young people and is
committed to his alma matter. We are excited to add him to our staff.”