#16
Karis Watson
6′2″Rock Hill, South Carolina
Karis Watson

Professional Experience

Atlanta Vibe (2024-25)

  • Appeared in 12 matches (37 sets) during the PVF’s inaugural 2024 season.
  • Recorded 62 points on 40 kills, 21 blocks, and 1 service ace while adding 21 digs.
  • Played in the first match in PVF history (Jan. 24 vs. Omaha), contributing 4 kills, 4 blocks, and 3 digs in a historic league debut.
  • Helped Atlanta capture a 19-5 record and the PVF Regular-Season Championship.

Athletes Unlimited (2023)

  • Competed in the 2023 Athletes Unlimited Volleyball season, ranking among the top middle blockers in blocking efficiency and team wins.
  • Finished with 1,917 leaderboard points, showcasing her well-rounded impact in AU’s competitive, stat-driven format.

FC Porto (Portugal, 2023-24)

  • Helped guide FC Porto to the Portuguese Divisão 1 Championship, marking the seventh professional trophy of her career.

Criollas de Caguas (Puerto Rico, 2020-21)

  • Named the Puerto Rico League MVP (2020-21) after leading Caguas to the LVSF Championship.
  • Dominated both offensively and defensively, ranking among league leaders in blocks and efficiency.

Supreme Chonburi-E.Tech (Thailand, 2017-18)

  • Captured the Thailand League Championship, Thai-Denmark Super League title, and AVC Champions League crown, completing a rare triple.

RC Cannes (France, 2016-17)

  • Began her professional career in France’s top division, helping the storied club to a runner-up finish in the French Supercup.

Collegiate Experience

Clemson University (2011-14)

  • Four-year letterwinner and one of Clemson’s most dependable front-court players.
  • Appeared in 88 matches (301 sets), recording 459 kills, 320 total blocks, and a .268 career hitting percentage.
  • As a senior in 2014, tallied 236 kills, 97 blocks, and a .323 hitting percentage, ranking among team leaders in each category.
  • Posted a career-high 16 kills vs. Winthrop (Sept. 7, 2013) and consistently ranked among ACC leaders in blocking.

Personal/Fun Facts

  • Hometown: Rock Hill, South Carolina
  • Comes from a highly athletic family:
    • Father Ken Watson played football at Maryland.
    • Brother Benjamin Watson enjoyed a 15-year NFL career and won a Super Bowl with New England.
    • Brother Asa Watson played football at NC State.
    • Sister Jessica competed in track & field at Coastal Carolina.
  • At Northwestern High School, was a multi-sport athlete (volleyball, track, soccer, and gymnastics).
  • Named a PrepVolleyball.com Honorable Mention All-American as a senior after posting 367 kills and 113 blocks.

Player Details
Name: Karis Watson
Pronunciation: CARE-iss
Position: Middle Blocker
Height: 6-2
Date of Birth: December 30, 1992
Hometown: Rock Hill, S.C.
Country: United States
College:  Clemson