BUIES CREEK, N.C. – In recognition of nearly a half century of service, Campbell University dedicated the playing surface at the John W. Pope Jr. Convocation Center / Gilbert Craig Gore Arena in honor of Wanda Watkins.
Wanda Watkins Court at Gore Arena was dedicated during pregame festivities Saturday on Wanda Watkins Day in Buies Creek. Hundreds of Watkins' former teammates, players, coaches, staff members, family and friends were in attendance to honor the Big South Conference Hall of Fame coach and administrator.
Following a video tribute, University President Brad Creed, and Director of Athletics Hannah Bazemore escorted Watkins to halfcourt. Members of the 2023-24 Campbell women's basketball team then unveiled the two large logos bearing Watkins' signature on the floor.
"Wanda Watkins is not only one of the most important figures in Campbell Athletics, but also one of the most important individuals in our university's history," said Bazemore. "Her athletics and academic excellence brought her to Campbell nearly 50 years ago, and she has stayed ever since. Not only has Coach Watkins established herself as one of the greats in women's college basketball history, but she has also touched the lives and made an incredible impact on countless students, fellow coaches, administrators, staff, faculty, fans, and family members. What Wanda Watkins means to Campbell University is immeasurable, and it is fitting that we name our basketball court in her honor."
Watkins became the Fighting Camels' first female scholarship athlete when she enrolled at Campbell College in the fall of 1975 and played both basketball and softball. Over the last 48-plus years, she has witnessed the growth of the institution to university status, the athletic program's move from the NAIA to the NCAA Division I level and the emergence of women's athletics on the national and world stage.
"Wanda Watkins is a true sports legend, and it is Campbell's great honor to dedicate the Gore Arena Court to her in recognition of her leadership and service," said Creed. "I have been privileged to work with Wanda and count her as a valuable and beloved colleague during my time as President of Campbell University."
She served as captain of the basketball team as a senior and captained the softball team for three years. Despite suffering an injury in her final season, Watkins was named MVP of the 1978-79 team and selected as Campbell's Outstanding Female Athlete.
Following graduation in 1979, she served under Betty Jo Clary as assistant coach in 1979-80, then was promoted to Campbell's first women's basketball full-time assistant in '80-81. When Clary decided to step away from coaching, Watkins was hired by Athletic Director Wendell Carr as head coach in the summer of 1981 – just two years after her graduation.
Watkins retired in 2016 as the 29th-winningest head coach in NCAA Division I women's basketball at 549-443 and was one of 14 active coaches in Division I to serve 30-plus years at the same institution. She finished her 35-year tenure with 10 Division I conference championship game appearances (six in the Big South and four in the ASUN) and won two tournament titles. Her 2000 squad clinched the program's first-ever NCAA Tournament berth after winning the ASUN championship and advanced to play at Duke in March Madness.
She has served as Senior Associate AD and Senior Woman Administrator since September 2016, while also taking on Interim Athletics Director responsibilities from January through June of 2019. In addition, she has been a regular color analyst on Campbell women's basketball broadcasts on ESPN+ and FloHoops.
Inducted into the Campbell Athletics Hall of Fame in January 2017, Watkins was enshrined into the Big South Conference Hall of Fame in 2019. Big South Conference named its annual female athlete of the year award after Watkins in 2022.
Watkins announced in September that she would retire in May 2024 after her 45th year on the Fighting Camel staff.
