Rock Valley College didn’t have to look far or go far to land its next head women’s basketball coach. The school announced today that Darryl Watkins, a former RVC athlete and assistant women’s basketball coach, will succeed Taylor Ignoto as the main man.
Watkins served as the head girls basketball coach at Auburn High School the past two seasons, where his team went 13-17 and 16-16.
RVC is coming off a 25-6 season and N4C Conference Championship.
“I am forever grateful for the opportunity that Mat Parker, Brad Pemberton, Janice Hawkins and RPS 205 have given me as my first opportunity to be a head coach” said Watkins. “Auburn has allowed me to grow in my profession and be prepared for this step.
“Being a collegiate head coach has been a dream of mine and having that opportunity to do that in my hometown, at a place that has such a rich tradition of winning at a high level, and an institution that has meant so much to me personally is surreal. I cant wait to get to work in The Nest!”
Watkins spent five years as an assistant for the Golden Eagles under Misty Opat. In those five years, he was an integral part of the 2013, 2015 and 2017 National Championship teams and the 2014 National Runner-Up. He was heavily involved in the program’s recruiting, player development, strength and conditioning, and game preparation. RVC was 138-24 over those five seasons.
“We are thrilled to welcome back Darryl to our staff,” said Athletic Director Darin Monroe. “Darryl has a genuine passion for Rock Valley, the city of Rockford, and the women’s basketball scene in the Rockford area. He has been mentored by one of the best in Misty Opat and understands what it takes to be successful. He was an obvious choice to continue to build the brand that is RVC women’s basketball.”
Watkins is also a 17u Head Coach for the AAU Midwest Wildcats basketball program. The Midwest Wildcats are now an UnderArmour Rise Circuit team.
A Rockford native, Watkins graduated from Auburn High School in 2007, and from Rock Valley College with his AA in 2009. He has also received his bachelor’s from Rockford University in Physical Education in 2012, as well as his master’s in Sports Administration from Chadron State College (NE) in 2016.
Rock Valley College is expected to also name its new men’s basketball and soccer coaches this week.