Head Coach Beth Watson
Entering her second season, Beth Watson comes from the University of Central Florida (Orlando) where she has been the first assistant coach for the last seven years, ever since UCF instituted the program.
Watson is a graduate of Friends University (Wichita, Kansas) where she achieved her undergraduate degree in Science in Health and Physical Education. She then received her graduate degree in Science in Education Administration from Missouri State University (Springfield).
At UCF, Watson helped guide the team to a victory in last year’s Conference USA Championship and a final national ranking of #29. She also coached 2 All-Conference First Team selections, 5 All-Tournament team selections, and 1 All-Freshman team selection.
Prior to competing in Conference USA, the UCF Knights were in the Atlantic Sun Conference where Watson helped to lead the team to a conference championship in 2005. In her seven years at UCF, the Knights only once finished below third place in their respective conference.
Before coaching the Knights of UCF, Watson was the head coach at the University of Southern Indiana (Evansville) where she compiled a 204-119 (.632) record. From 1995-2001 the USI Screaming Eagles fielded one All-American player, nine All-Region players, and thirteen All-Conference (Great Lakes Valley Conference) players under Watson.
As a coach, Watson’s focus is primarily on hitting and fielding.
Prior to becoming the head coach at USI, Watson was the assistant coach at Missouri State University from 1992-1995 while she completed her graduate degree. From 1988-1992, Watson was the head coach at her alma-mater, the aforementioned Friends University, where she compiled a 102-73 (.583) record. In 1989 she led the Falcons to a Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) regular season title, as well as a tournament championship.
These accolades resulted in Watson being named the KCAC Coach of the Year in 1989. The Falcons repeated as regular season champions in 1990. Friends University is an NAIA school.
