A veteran middle blocker with global experience and an unmistakable competitive spirit, Karis Watson brings leadership, athleticism, and international pedigree to every team she joins. A Clemson standout turned seasoned professional, Watson has played across six countries and earned accolades for her defensive precision and quick attacking style. Known for her consistency and positivity on and off the court, she continues to be a role model for perseverance and adaptability at the highest levels of the sport.
Professional Experience
Atlanta Vibe (2024)
- 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.
- Off the court, plays the viola, enjoys traveling and art, and frequently leads community youth clinics for girls in sports.
- Fluent in English and conversational in French, developed during her European career.
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