Kendrick Watkins Comes Home To Collierville
“Champions aren’t made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them — a desire, a dream, a vision.”
In what was a shocking move to many, now former Rossville Christian Academy Girls Basketball coach, Kendrick Watkins, has taken the same position at Collierville High School. Watkins, a graduate of Rossville, would lead the Lady Wolves to back-to-back state championships and open the eyes of top college programs with the talent on the roster.
Watkins would start his coaching career in Decaturville, TN at Riverside High School. From 2016-2019 Watkins would lead the Panthers on the hardwood as the head coach of the Varsity and Junior Varsity levels. In addition to the hoops, Watkins would assist the football program as a defensive assistant. The change would occur in the fall of 2020, when Watkins accepted the head coaching position at Rossville Christian Academy.
The Lady Wolves program would become a top program almost immediately. Watkins, and his staff, would lead the program to back-to-back state championships. With this, their record stands at 67-5 in 2022-23. In the history of the program, Rossville has seen many years of successful play and talented players have played on the hardwood in Rossville, Tennessee. Watkins would finish his tenure at Rossville with a 76-28 record.
The success under Watkins is at heights the program has never seen. The way the talented roter bought into what the staff was implementing was instantaneous and the wins are further proof. We spoke to Watkins in an exclusive sit-down. When speaking about his time at Rossville, Watkins would have this to say.
“Being able to get the Rossville girls program moving in the right direction. Making history by going back-to-back State championships in 2 different divisions was tough. And I’ll always cherish those days and relationships I made.”
With the move to Collierville, also a former high school of Watkins as he went to Collierville before attending Rossville, Watkins will lead the Dragons in a different level of competition. While Rossville played teams such as Collierville, Bartlett, and others, the eyes will be on Watkins to see if he can continue the success of Rossville. Watkins would say this when asked about his initial thoughts on the campus, city, and program and what this move for him, and his family, means to him on a personal level.
“The move means everything to me. Now being able to lead the Lady Dragon program where I also played is a honor. So excited about this opportunity. And we got some girls that can ball man. Gonna take hard work and dedication. But I love a challenge!”
Collierville and Rossville have always had a connection as many who live in “The Ville” have children who attend the small private school just a short 9-mile drive east on Highway 57. Collierville currently has former Rossville head coach, Joe Rocconi, leading the football program and will now have a former player of “Rocco” in Watkins leading the Dragons on the hardwood.
The path back home to Collierville for Watkins has been a winding road. Along the way, Watkins has excelled both on and off the playing field by changing young people’s lives. If we know one thing about Kendrick Watkins, the championships and wins are nice but impacting lives wherever he is means the most.
The lives of the city, school, and program will all be impacted greatly by Watkins and his family we have no doubt. Coach Ken is home in Collierville.
