ATLANTA, Ga. – Clemson Volleyball Alum Karis Watson has officially signed with the Atlanta Vibe, the city’s first ever women’s professional volleyball team with the recently launched Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF), the team announced on Monday. A middle blocker, Watson joins the Atlanta Vibe for its inaugural season after spending this fall competing with Athletes Unlimited Volleyball.
A four-year letter winner for the Tigers, Watson appeared in 88 matches. Over the course of her collegiate career, she saw action in 301 sets, including a career-high 119 sets during her senior campaign. Watson’s contributions to the team extended to her impressive statistics, as she tallied 459 kills and recorded 320 total blocks for the Tigers. Her senior season was particularly noteworthy, as she achieved a .323 hitting percentage, amassing 236 kills over 32 matches. Her prowess on the court was evident as she tallied 10 or more kills in a match on seven occasions during the 2014 campaign, including a season-high 13 kills against Winthrop on Sept. 6, 2014. Watson’s impact on the team was consistent, as she started in 22 matches as a junior and posted nine double-digit kill performances. Notably, she established a career high with 16 kills against Winthrop on Sept. 7, 2013. Her contributions as a sophomore included competing in 11 matches with one start, collecting 11 kills on 33 attempts and adding 17 total blocks. Even as a freshman, Watson showcased her potential by playing in 23 matches and notching 44 total blocks.
Following her playing career with the Tigers, Watson has represented six different teams in various countries dating back to 2016. Most recently, she showcased her skills for Saint-Dié-des-Vosges in France during the 2022-23 campaign. Prior to that, she spent two seasons with VC Kanti Schaffhausen in Switzerland. Watson’s professional career has also seen her compete in Germany, Portugal, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, underscoring her versatility and adaptability as a player. Watson also served as a volunteer assistant coach with Winthrop.
The Atlanta Vibe will begin its 2024 campaign in January with the home slate beginning in February. The home schedule promises to be a thrilling experience for every kind of sports fan with a combination of five weekend matches and seven weekday games. The Vibe will take part in the first-ever match in league history on Wednesday, January 24, when they travel to Omaha for a match against the Supernovas….