Boston College hires Gonzaga’s Chris Watkins to lead women’s soccer program

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. – Chris Watkins has been named the new head women’s soccer coach at Boston College, it was announced by William V. Campbell Director of Athletics Blake James. Watkins – one of the top coaches in collegiate women’s soccer – arrives at the Heights after a highly successful seven seasons at Gonzaga, where he compiled a 79-33-16 record.

“Chris is a tremendous leader who has a demonstrated track record of winning and holistically developing student-athletes throughout his coaching career. He cares deeply about the student-athlete experience and is an ideal person to be our next head women’s soccer coach,” said James.  “We are excited to welcome Chris to the Boston College Athletics family!”

Watkins guided the Zags to the 2023 West Coast Conference championship – the first conference title in the history of the program – en route to Gonzaga’s first trip to the NCAA Tournament in nearly two decades.  The Bulldogs finished the 2023 campaign with a 14-4-2 overall record and a 6-1-1 mark in WCC play.  Included in those six league victories was a 1-0 win over No. 15 Santa Clara in Spokane – which was GU’s second-ever win over the perennial women’s soccer power.

“I am excited and anxious to get started and do my part to compete in the best women’s soccer conference in the country, as we bring Boston College Women’s Soccer back to National prominence,” Watkins said.  “I am grateful for the vision of the BC Athletic Department and the incredible investments being made to provide a top notch experience for our student-athletes.  Thank you to Blake James, Shauna Cobb, and Craig Anderson for their belief in me, our players and the future of the BC Women’s Soccer program.”

The Bulldogs boasted one of the nation’s top offenses this past season, ranking fourth in Division I in shots on-goal per game (9.1) and sixth in goals per game (2.8).  Gonzaga also finished eighth nationally in total goals (56). The Zags set single-season program records in goals scored (56), assists (44), and points (156).

Not only did Watkins construct an imposing offense at GU, but also orchestrated the Bulldogs’ defense to become one of the best in program history. During his time in Spokane, Gonzaga significantly improved its goals-allowed and save averages.

Watkins was tabbed as the 2023 WCC Coach of the Year and he and his coaching staff were recognized by the United Soccer Coaches College Services as the 2023 West Region Staff of the Year.  It marked the second time in the past three years that the Gonzaga women’s soccer coaching staff earned the top regional award.

Named the head coach of Gonzaga women’s soccer in December 2016, Watkins immediately made an impact on the trajectory of the Zags’ program.  During the 2017 season, Gonzaga enjoyed the best start in program history (5-0-1).  The team reached the 10-win plateau for the first time since 2007, setting several program records in the process. Gonzaga scored the most goals (39), made the most assists (30), totaled the most points (108) and took the most shots (312) in a single-season in program history in 2017.

After an impressive first two seasons with the Zags, becoming the fastest head coach to reach 20 wins in program history, Watkins continued to reach new heights in 2019 – his third season.  The Zags tied a program-record with 12 victories – the most wins since 2005 – and tied a program-best with five WCC wins for the second straight season. The Bulldogs also made a splash in the polls, reaching No. 3 in the United Soccer Coaches’ West Region poll while also receiving votes in the national poll.

Watkins was named the WCC Co-Coach of the Year in 2020 after posting a 5-2-1 conference record and finishing third in the league. As a result, Gonzaga women’s soccer earned the West Region Coaching Staff of the Year award by the United Soccer Coaches College Services program.

In 2021, Watkins led the Zags to the best season in program history to-date, posting a 15-5 overall record and five wins in WCC play. The Zags’ offense again re-wrote the program record book, setting new single-season standards for total goals (47), total assists (39), total points (131), total shots (387), goals per game (2.35), and shutouts (12). Gonzaga also reached the highest ranking in history, checking in at No. 16 in the national poll.  The Zags reached the 10-win mark for the fifth time under Watkins in 2022, while also matching their best-ever finish in the WCC standings, tying for second place.

Prior to Gonzaga, Watkins was a member of the BYU women’s soccer coaching staff from 1996-2016.  During his time in Provo, he helped guide the Cougars to the NCAA Tournament 18 times – including a number one seed in 2012 – including two appearances in the Elite Eight and five in the Sweet 16. BYU finished in the national Top 25 poll on 17 occasions and posted a 343-90-36 record during Watkins’ tenure. The Cougars had 21 NSCAA All-Americans and seven Academic All-Americans while Watkins was a member of the staff.

Watkins was also the head coach for the BYU men’s soccer team from 1995-2015, compiling an overall record of 304-103-75 in 21-seasons. BYU’s men’s soccer team dominated the Collegiate Club Soccer Championships, winning national titles in 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2001, including an unprecedented run of 30 straight victories at the Club National Championships.

Seeking a more competitive environment, Watkins was the impetus behind BYU’s decision to move from collegiate club to semi-pro status in 2003. BYU purchased a Premier Development League franchise, becoming the first university-sponsored soccer program to ever acquire a franchise that competes at a level considered higher than NCAA soccer. The team competed in the USL Premier Development League, reaching the league’s quarterfinals twice. Under Watkins, the Cougars are the only university to participate in the U.S. Open Cup.

As a player, Watkins played for the semi-professional Salt Lake City Flamengo team from 1992-95. He also played for the Utah Blitzz in 2002 and scored the golden goal to win the Western Conference title.

He began his collegiate playing career at Drake, setting the school’s single-season scoring record in 1988. He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from BYU in 1996.