Watkins signs with Walsh University to play volleyball

The Conotton Valley Athletic Department has announced that senior Whitney Watkins, daughter of Brian and Michelle Watkins, has signed with Walsh University, where she will continue both her academic and athletic career next fall. Watkins will join the Cavaliers volleyball team and plans to major in child psychology.

A three-year letter winner for the Conotton Valley Rockets, Watkins has been a standout defensive player and team leader throughout her high school career. She led the team in digs and earned multiple postseason honors, including Second Team Inter-Valley Conference, Second Team OVAC, and Second Team District 5 as both a junior and senior. She also represented Conotton Valley in the District 5 All-Star Game.

As a co-captain, Watkins helped guide the Rockets to historic success. The team became the first Conotton Valley volleyball squad ever to win the Inter-Valley Conference Championship, captured back-to-back OVAC Class 1A titles, and finished as Division 7 sectional champions and district runners-up in both her junior and senior seasons.

Outside of the high school season, Watkins competes at an elite level in Junior Olympic Volleyball with her club team, Zero Gravity, which has earned multiple championships and a top-10 ranking in the Ohio Valley Region. She has received all-tournament honors and was selected to participate in the USA Volleyball National Training Development Program, an opportunity reserved for top athletes to train with USA Volleyball coaches.

In addition to her athletic success, Watkins excels academically and in her community. She is a member of the National Honor Society, ranks first in her graduating class, and is active in 4-H. She also attends NewPointe Community Church, where she demonstrates strong character, leadership and faith.

“We look forward to following Whitney’s career at Walsh University, both on the court and in the classroom,” said Athletic Director Ed Marsh. “She is the true definition of a student-athlete and has been an outstanding leader of her class here at Conotton Valley High School.”