Watkins started dunking in middle school while attending Cardinal Newman.[4]
College career
In March 2022, Watkins won the Powerade JamFest dunk contest.[5]
On November 17, 2022, Watkins stole the ball in the closing seconds of No. 1 South Carolina's 85–31 road win against Clemson. Once in possession of the ball, Watkins dribbled the ball to the basket and slammed it, the first dunk in South Carolina women's basketball history.[6][7][4]
On the morning of August 31, 2024, Watkins was arrested on an assault charge.[9][10] As Watkins allegedly also prevented her victim from leaving after an argument, an additional kidnapping charge was added.[9][10] That afternoon, Watkins was released after posting a $30,000 bond.[9] In addition to being barred from having direct or indirect contact with the victim, Watkins also could not return to the school, with a bond condition requiring her to stay 1,000 yards away from the victim's home, work, school and place of worship.[10] However, Watkins did have permission to travel out of state for games and practice.[10] A South Carolina spokesperson stated that "We are aware of the situation and are continuing to gather information."[11] Watkins has not commented on the arrest or allegations.[11]
In November, the charges against Watkins were dismissed.[12]
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