Jan Watkin was a member of both the Tornado women’s basketball and volleyball teams from 1984-87. She played for women’s basketball coach Susie Roberts for two seasons and King Athletic Hall of Fame coach Al Nida for her final two seasons. Her final three volleyball seasons were played under legendary coach Susie Toomey.
As a basketball player, Watkin had an impressive career. In 1985, Watkin led the Tornado to a Tennessee-Virginia Athletic Conference championship, district 24 runner-up finish and an undefeated conference record. Individually, she was awarded with NAIA all-district 24 and all-conference honors. The 1986 season was a bit more impressive finishing as the district 24 runner-up yet again, but King went on to win the NCCAA District 5 championship. King also finished fourth at the NCCAA national championships. Watkin’s individual awards included: NCCAA all-district, TVAC all-conference, NAIA all-district 24 and topping the list off, a member of the NCCAA national tournament all-tournament team. In her senior season, 1987, the team was once again district 24 runners-up.
Watkin led the team to a NCCAA District 5 championship and a fifth place finish at the NCCAA National Championship. The most awarding year for Watkin individually came during this season. Watkin was awarded with NCCAA all district honors, TVAC all-conference, NAIA all-district and all-tournament. Capping off an impressive career, she was named NCCAA District Player of the Year and TVAC Player of the Year.
Watkin’s volleyball career was not much different than her basketball career, a career full of championships and awards. In 1985, Watkin helped the team post a 25-6 overall record winning the TVAC, finishing as district 24 runner-up and completing the season with an undefeated conference record. Individually, Watkin was a member of the NAIA all-district 24 team and the TVAC all-conference team. The 1986 season brought more success, finishing with a record of 45-13.
Team awards included: district 24 runners-up, NCCAA District 5 champions and finished fourth at the NCCAA National Tournament. Watkin’s individual award list grew even larger being named to the NAIA all-district 24, TVAC all-conference, NCCAA all-district and NCCAA National Tournament all-tournament team. In her award filled senior season, Watkin led the team to a 38-12 record, a NAIA district 24 runner-up finish, a NCCAA District 5 championship and a fifth place finish at the NCCAA National Tournament. Watkin’s career was ended on the right note with what would be the most individual awards earned in her career.
Watkin’s senior season awards were topped off by being named to the NCCAA All-American first team and TVAC Player of the Year. In addition, Watkin’s was also named to the NCCAA national all-tournament team, NCCAA all-district team, NCCAA district all-tournament team and the NAIA all-district team.
